A continuing feature looking at bills supported by House Republicans during the 153rd General Assembly that did not become law…but probably should have.
Two bills introduced earlier this year by State Rep. Michael Smith (R-Pike Creek Valley) and State Sen. Eric Buckson (R-Dover South) sought to support Delaware educators and improve classroom environments.
“We cannot lose sight of the people inside our school buildings who are facing an urgent human crisis,” said Rep. Mike Smith. “As Department of Education Secretary Cynthia Marten has noted, Delaware doesn’t just have a teacher shortage; we have a ‘teacher leaving the working conditions issue.’ These bills are designed to ensure our educators have the respect, safety, and protections they deserve so they can focus on our children’s success.”
The Educator and Education Staff Bill of Rights (House Bill 330) would have established a clear set of fundamental rights for all public school employees.
Key provisions included the right to:
- Be treated with civility and respect.
- Have professional judgment and discretion respected.
- Work in a safe environment.
- Defend themselves and others from physical harm.
- Report student offenses, such as assault or vandalism, that endanger others.
- Equip classrooms without using personal funds.
The “We’ve Got Your Back Act” (House Bill 331) would have elevated to a class C felony the reckless or intentional causing of physical injury to a school employee, contractor, or subcontractor. This protection would have applied to a wide range of personnel—including teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodians—while they are performing their duties on school property or at school-sponsored events.
“This legislation demonstrates the General Assembly’s unwavering commitment to standing up for those who serve our students every day,” said Senator Eric Buckson. “By elevating physical injury to an educator to assault in the second degree, we are sending a clear message that violence in our schools will not be tolerated. Every educator, from our classroom teachers to our facilities managers, deserves to feel safe and protected in their workplace.”
The sponsors said their bills were a proactive attempt to address the challenges teachers and educational staff have raised throughout Delaware.
Both bills were assigned to the House Education Committee, which did not release them.
The sponsors indicated they plan to refile the bills after the new 154th General Assembly begins meeting in January.
