As educators, keeping children safe in our classrooms is always a top priority. This legislation expedites and streamlines the dismissal process to keep students safe, while also safeguarding the integrity of the profession and protecting the rights of educators. California’s educators want to teach in a safe learning environment for our students, alongside educators who are committed and qualified. AB 215 clarifies current law to ensure educators who engage in egregious misconduct are immediately removed from the classroom, criminally charged and go through an expedited dismissal process.
- AB 215 provides immediate protections for students by creating a separate hearing process for education employees who are charged with egregious misconduct such as sexual abuse, child abuse and specific drug crimes.
- Districts have the power under current law to immediately remove from the classroom educators accused of immoral conduct, but as seen in recent cases districts often fail to act. This legislation continues to require districts to immediately remove the accused employee, but also requires the dismissal process to start within 60 days of the complaint being filed.
- CTA supports AB 215 because it also establishes clear and timely procedures for dismissal in non-egregious misconduct cases. By expediting and streamlining the hearing process, districts will not be allowed to drag on investigations of educators who are falsely accused.
- CTA commends Assembly Member Joan Buchanan for her diligence and leadership on these issues impacting California’s students and educators. We also appreciate the work of EdVoice and other stakeholders in crafting a solution that protects students and educators.