Rogers Wants Students Expelled for Bullying
• He's Seeking Change in State Law
Aug 20, 2010 – School Board member and police officer Steve Rogers hopes to toughen state laws that would expel second-offender school pupils convinced of bullying. Rogers said he is more concerned about the rights of children's receiving "an appropriate education" and is calling for laws that would fine parents and expel students convicted of a second bullying offense.
Rogers has already contacted state legislators with a recommendation that two statues of the N.J. Criminal Code be amended to provide the stricter punishment (2C:33-4 and 2C: 43-3-2.)
Under present law, Rogers says,"a bully in most circumstances is charged with "harrassment" which he says is "is a petty disorderly offence that carries no real penalty and therefore serves as no deterrent."
Under Rogers' proposal, not only would a student be expelled for a second offense but parents and guardians would be held responsible for paying all legal fees as well as administrative costs including over-time pay time for school teachers and staff..
"I have addressed this topic because I do not believe that local taxpayers should pay for the continued misbehavior of some students. There is hue and cry from the people about cutting spending, lowering taxes, and getting serious about the problem of bullying."
Rogers emphasized that he's not talking about minor "school yard horseplay or very minor incidents which every child becomes involved in during their growing years.
"What I am talking about is harassment, intimidation, menacing and terrorizing a person to the point that severe psychologal, emotional, and or physical damage is committed upon the victim.
"I also am talking about parents' being held accountable and responsible for their children's criminal acts. Once these people are convinced that teachers, the police, and the taxpayers will no longer raise their kids and foot the bill, I believe they will be singing a new song because frankly,they will have no choice."
Rogers is a detective-lieutenant with the Nutley Police Department and is serving his second year as a trustee with the Board of Education.
