Hot for Teacher? Try Hot for Student?

Three weeks ago, we wrote about how legislation like SB 212 / HB 45 completely missed the mark when it comes to sexual harm in the school environment. That hasn’t changed. If anything, the headlines since then have only reinforced the point that we need to institute a different approach to addressing this issue than only punishing after the fact.

Here are some headlines from just the last 24 hours:
Georgia – GBI announces arrest of former Wayne teacher
Louisiana – Ex- St. Martinville teacher charged with child abuse offenses
Illinois – Illinois PE teacher arrested for grooming allegations
Alabama – High school coach charged with sexual abuse of student after abrupt resignation
Arizona – School aide allegedly sexually abused student
Connecticut – Former Ansonia teacher found guilty of sexual contact with minor will avoid jail time
Texas – Former PSJA ISD teacher out on bond after charged for improper relationship with student
Massachusetts – Former Pittsfield teacher to be arraigned on rape charges involving two students
Nebraska – Millard middle school teacher arrested in Nebraska State Patrol child exploitation investigation
And, of course, Florida – Brevard teacher was in months-long relationship with student

That’s just one day! These stories come out every day!

What we wrote about Florida Rep. Plakon totally missing the mark is backed up by data. Study after study shows that educator/student sexual misconduct is not rare — it’s pervasive. Research indicates that nearly 1 in 10 students will experience some form of sexual misconduct by a school employee during their K–12 years. More recent survey data suggests that over 11% of students report experiencing misconduct by an educator. And that’s just reported cases. Experts estimate that only about 6% of victims ever formally report what happened because the person is in a position of authority. What we see in the news is just the tip of the iceberg.

Prevention is not reacting after harm has occurred. It requires building systems that help prevent situations from developing in the first place. Schools are uniquely positioned to do this through education, awareness, and clear guidance for both staff and students. For example, teachers should receive comprehensive training on how to respond appropriately if a student initiates behavior that crosses professional boundaries. That training should include clear explanations of ethical obligations, appropriate de-escalation techniques, and the legal and professional consequences of failing to maintain those boundaries. Providing this kind of guidance supports teachers in making the right decisions before situations escalate. That is not victim blaming, that’s just reality.

At the same time, both students and school staff should be equipped to recognize early warning signs of boundary issues. Creating a culture where concerns can be identified and addressed early through safe, structured, and non-punitive reporting mechanisms. This can help stop problems before they develop into harm. This approach prioritizes student well-being while also preserving the integrity of the educational environment.

Legislation like SB 212 / HB 45 has focused on limiting access for certain parents at school events, but measures like these do little to address the day-to-day interactions where most risk actually exists. Policies that emphasize prevention, education, and accountability within schools themselves are far more likely to make a meaningful difference. If the goal is truly to protect children, then the conversation should center on practical, evidence-based strategies that reduce risk at its source. That means investing in training, awareness, and early intervention — not just measures that create the appearance of safety, but those that actively strengthen it.

Instead of accepting the facts and listening to our recommendations, Florida has turned a blind eye and ignored expert guidance. The recently passed SB 212 / HB 45 — laws that create new barriers for parents on the registry to attend their children’s school events – will do absolutely nothing to prevent sexual abuse in schools. A parent who wants to attend their child’s play, graduation, or parent-teacher conference now faces layers of restrictions and scrutiny. Meanwhile, the actual, source remains unconsidered.

What SB 212 / HB 45 does is create the appearance of safety, not the reality of it. And worse, it creates a system where parents are pushed out of their children’s lives, communities are given a false sense of security, and policymakers can claim action without addressing root causes.

So we’ll ask it again… if Florida lawmakers are serious about protecting children, why aren’t they listening to what we are saying? Until they do, they are not solving the problem, they are just avoiding it and making the problem worse!