New York Will Immediately Suspend Teaching Licenses For This
A recent proposal approved by the New York State Board of Regents has many with school-aged children feeling quite relieved, and for others, with questions about why this wasn't an existing practice.
Teacher License Suspension For Educators Accused Of These Acts
The New York State Board of Regents, according to Newsday, recently passed via unanimous vote, a rule to immediately suspend the teaching licenses of educators accused of sex abuse. This practice is set to take effect across the state on May 21, 2025.
In an article published in The Patch out of Babylon Village (Long Island), in order for a suspension to take place, the district themselves must file official charges with NYS in order to prevent the accused teacher from returning to the classroom until the case at hand is fully investigated.
According to current law, districts must file charges with the state to have a tenured educator fired when they are accused of sexual abuse, an often lengthy and complicated process.
READ MORE: Hudson Valley Teacher Arrested on Felony Sexual Related Charges
Amendment Proposed In January For 'Moral Character of Certificate Holders'
Newsday reports that in order to ensure that students are protected, this rule will 'fast track' suspensions of teachers while accusations are investigated, but the decision to move to this standard did not happen overnight.
Back in January of this year, it was shared that a drafted a proposal was submitted to Higher Education Committee in New York for an amendment to 83.7, to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to the Moral Character of Certificate Holders. The changes referenced 'the moral character of certificate holders,' specifically, referring to those holding teaching certificates. A copy of that proposal to the Higher Education Committee is linked in the Patch article here.
The amendment proposes that certain conduct does violate the student teacher relationship, and thus requires immediate action which includes interim suspension of the 'certificate holder' and a thorough investigation to follow.
