Stop sexual predators from being rehired in public schools

"State Sen. Kyle Loveless, R-Oklahoma City, deserves credit for seeking to reduce the chance for sexual predators to obtain jobs in public schools," The Oklahoman editorializes today.

In some instances where a school employee is accused of preying on students, Loveless says those employees are currently allowed to resign without being prosecuted, often out of deference to the wishes of the victim’s family. Yet the lack of prosecution leaves these predators free to obtain employment at other districts that may be unaware of the prior conduct. Senate Bill 301, by Loveless, would require local school boards to notify the State Board of Education when an employee is fired or resigns while under investigation for violating the law. That notification would then allow the state board to revoke the individual’s teaching license and end the potential for a sexual predator to victimize children at other schools. That’s a sensible proposal that should enjoy bipartisan support.