A NEW STATE LAW AIMS TO BETTER PROTECT STUDENTS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE AT SCHOOL.

THE CHANGES WERE SPURRED BY A CHICAGO TRIBUNE REPORT ABOUT ABUSE AND HARASSMENT IN CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS SAYS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ASSISTANT COUNSEL ANGIE BRANCATO.

THE LAW CHANGES HOW STUDENTS ARE QUESTIONED AFTER MAKING A REPORT OF HARASSMENT OR ABUSE, SO THAT THEY DON’T FEEL INTIMIDATED. IT ALSO REQUIRES SCHOOLS TO REVIEW THEIR POLICIES FOR HANDLING THESE CASES AND TO REPORT WHEN A TEACHER IS CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

THE CHANGES WERE PROMPTED BY A SERIES OF REPORTS BY THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, DETAILING THE ABUSE OF STUDENTS IN CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.