GOP Lawmaker Says State Needs Teacher Protection Act

A Republican state lawmaker says Wisconsin schools are among the nation’s worst for threats and assaults on teachers. Fond du Lac Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt (thees felt) started asking colleagues this week to cosponsor a “Teacher Protection Act.” It would require police to tell schools about violent incidents their students commit away from the classroom, teachers could remove students for two days after an incident, and initiate suspensions if need be. Thiesfeldt, who chairs the Assembly Education Committee, says a push to reduce student punishments has led to an increase in school violence. But opponents say the bill would violate student privacy rights, and would disproportionately turn more minority and disabled youngsters into criminals.