A proposal designed to safeguard teachers from student violence is gaining momentum after clearing a House committee without objection. House Bill 283, sponsored by Rep. Candace Newell, D-New Orleans, would mandate that students accused of assaulting teachers, school staff, or fellow students be removed from traditional classrooms and placed in alternative educational settings.

The measure, referred to as the “Teacher Shield Act,” stems from what Newell called a “deep passion” for educator safety. Drawing on her experience as a former teacher, she said she has witnessed the pressures educators face and stressed the need for secure classroom environments. “Seeing the fact that some teachers go into classrooms, and it’s not a comfortable setting for them, gave me great concern,” Newell said.

Under the legislation, students accused of assault would still receive an expulsion hearing, preserving due process while addressing immediate safety concerns. Newell also noted challenges that could arise in rural districts with fewer schooling alternatives and said she is open to collaborating with smaller school systems to develop workable approaches.

Testimony from educators helped shape the bill, including that of Nikita Clark, a former teacher who said she retired after being injured by a student. Clark sustained a torn rotator cuff when a student forcefully pushed into her classroom door as she was closing it. “I’d never been afraid of students until this incident happened to me,” Clark said.

Despite such accounts, some educators declined to testify publicly before the House Education Committee. Lawmakers indicated that concerns about possible retaliation from school boards discouraged several teachers from speaking out.

Legislative backing for the proposal appears strong. Rep. Charles Owen, R-Rosepine, voiced firm support, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to protect teachers. “If these school districts want to come after these teachers, they can come and see us,” Owen said.

However, the bill has drawn criticism. Darrinisha Gray, an attorney representing St. Charles Parish schools, warned of potential consequences for students with special needs, who she said are disproportionately involved in classroom incidents. “This bill, as currently written, creates significant operational and legal hurdles that ultimately harm the stability of our school system,” Gray said.