Wisconsin Enacts New Law to Ensure Parental Notification in School Sexual Offense Cases
In a move to bolster transparency and accountability within educational institutions, Wisconsin schools are now mandated to inform a student’s parent or guardian if the student becomes a victim or target of a sexual offense on school premises.
This requirement comes as part of a new law signed by Governor Tony Evers, following a Republican-backed measure. The legislation not only enforces parental notification but also obliges public, private, and charter schools to provide parents with access to records concerning school employee discipline.
Previously, no specific deadline existed for when schools or school boards had to alert parents about such incidents. The new law stipulates that parents must be informed by the end of the day when the report is received or by noon the next day if the report arrives after school hours.
State Representative Benjamin Franklin, R-De Pere, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of prompt notification. “Timely notification is essential to ensuring that this despicable behavior is stopped quickly and that the child receives the support they need,” Franklin stated during his testimony for the bill.
Franklin highlighted the potential lifelong impacts on the mental and emotional health of young victims of sexual misconduct. He added, “If a school delays notifying parents, it may be considered deliberately indifferent. This bill does not create a new requirement; it simply clarifies and establishes a specific, enforceable timeline.”
Governor Evers remarked that the legislation is a key step in enhancing safety measures. “Doing everything we can to keep our kids safe at school, at home, and in our communities is a top priority for me, as well as our schools and education professionals, who are frontlines of doing what’s best for our kids every day,” he said following the signing of the bill.
The legislation builds upon a previous law signed by Evers, which criminalized sexual misconduct by school staff or volunteers against students. The current law introduces the additional requirement for parental notification.
During the public hearing, the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association expressed support for the bill, noting its significance in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. “Our association constantly looks for ways to enhance public safety,” the Police Association testified. “Unfortunately, these proposals are necessary, and we should continue to look for ways to protect communities.”
