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February 13, 2025
State News

Arkansas Legislators Propose Bill to Protect Teachers and Students from Repeat Violence

Little Rock, Ark. – A new bill making its way through the Arkansas Legislature aims to safeguard teachers and students from repeated violent or abusive behavior in classrooms. House Bill 1062, known as the Teacher and Student Protection Act of 2025, outlines clear measures to prevent students who engage in violent conduct from re-entering the same classroom with their victims, whether the behavior targets teachers or fellow students.

The bill, proposed by Representative R. Scott Richardson and Senator Dees, underscores growing concerns about school safety, citing alarming statistics. According to the legislation’s findings, 56% of teachers surveyed by the American Psychological Association reported being victimized by students, while a separate National Education Association study revealed over 1.3 million acts of student-on-teacher violence nationwide.

Key Provisions of the Teacher and Student Protection Act

The proposed legislation amends Arkansas Code § 6-18-511, which allows teachers to remove students from classrooms for unruly, disruptive, or violent behavior. The new provisions include the following:

  • No Return Without Conference: If a student is removed from a class twice within a nine-week grading period, they cannot return without a conference involving the principal, teacher, counselor, parents, and, if appropriate, the student.
  • Placement After Violent Incidents: If a student commits violent or abusive behavior against a teacher or classmate, they must be placed in an alternative learning environment pending review. The student will not be allowed to return to the same class unless it is deemed appropriate by all involved parties.
  • Special Provisions for Students with Disabilities: If violent behavior is determined to be a manifestation of a student’s disability, placement changes must comply with individualized education programs (IEPs), ensuring tailored interventions while protecting the affected teacher or classmate.
  • Three Strikes Rule: If a student is removed three or more times in one school year for violent or abusive behavior, they must be placed in an alternative learning environment for the remainder of the year or face expulsion, depending on the circumstances.

What Defines “Violent or Abusive Behavior”?
The bill defines violent or abusive behavior as including, but not limited to:

  • The use of threatening or abusive language,
  • Throwing objects in a threatening manner,
  • Physical abuse of a teacher or student, and
  • Actions that pose a physical threat or danger to others.

Ensuring Safe Learning Environments

The intent behind HB1062 is clear: to foster safer learning spaces for Arkansas schools. Teachers, often on the frontlines of student misbehavior, are increasingly calling for policies that prioritize their safety while maintaining a productive classroom environment. By removing students with repeated or serious behavioral issues and addressing the root causes of their behavior—particularly for students with special needs—the bill strikes a balance between discipline and rehabilitation.

Legislative Intent and Broader Implications

Supporters of the bill emphasize its role in protecting teachers and students from repeated trauma and disruption. As outlined in the legislative intent, the General Assembly aims to ensure that “teachers and students do not suffer from repeated violent behavior from students” while implementing proactive measures to prevent future incidents.

Critics may point to concerns about the equitable treatment of students, particularly those with behavioral challenges or disabilities. However, the bill makes specific accommodations for such cases, ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines while maintaining classroom safety.

What’s Next?

The Teacher and Student Protection Act of 2025 represents a bold step toward addressing violence in Arkansas schools. As it progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders—educators, parents, and policymakers—will play a critical role in shaping its implementation.

For now, the message is clear: violence in the classroom will not be tolerated, and steps will be taken to protect teachers and students across the state.

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