Jail Time for Sex Crimes

[Lisa Starbuck]

I know I have posted before about sex crimes in our schools, but I thought this editorial by Jack McElroy in today's News-Sentinel had some good information and made some excellent points. I have seen all these things reported in the news, but until I saw his list of recent crimes against children by authority figures and the punishment (or lack of it) received by the perpetrators, it didn't really sink in how often they get probation and a slap on the wrist instead of jail time.

In particular, I agree with him that child predators in the educational system are getting off lightly for inappropriate behavior and that these incidents don't seem to be taken very seriously by the school system and the prosecutor's office. Of all the recent sex crimes in the news, none of them have resulted in jail time for the adults. That is just wrong! Probation and job loss is not enough punishment for adults who prey on children - male or female. We have to do something to show teachers, coaches and adult leaders that we are serious about this issue and that if they cross the line, they will do jail time. What will it take for people to become outraged enough to do something about it?

[Anthony Ingram]

Here is what I wrote to the Editor in response to his comments/thoughts: --- "Just wanted to add my AMEN as far as the editorial you wrote about how teachers who seduce students deserving jail time, not probation time. Teaching is not just a job, it is a TRUST and those who violate that trust by violating children deserve the most severe punishment allowable by law - and if the law is too lenient to deter the CRIME, then we need to strengthen the law. NO plea deals should be allowed. I know that jails are overcrowded and the court system is overburdened (often with frivolous cases) but that is no excuse for us to "excuse" such detestable behavior. No male or female should get away with hurting a child, no matter how old that child might be!"

[beenthere_donethat]

Human Resources needs to do thorough background checks! Principals need to get out of their offices and into the classrooms. Blinders need to be taken off and people taken to task for off-hand remarks and actions. Additional training is needed after the degree is received through mentoring new teachers in the local schools. Promotions to supervisory positions are sometimes given to young teachers who have too little successful classroom experience, but are thrown into powerful positions without the requisite tools.