New Law Requires Convicted Student Offenders To Be Transferred Away From Victims

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A new law signed by Gov. Brown on Friday puts the schools in charge when it comes to convicted offenders. They can now transfer a student convicted of a violent crime to another school in the district.

"I wouldn't want my children or grandchildren to go to school with felons," said mother Debra Leonard.

And now that's something California school districts can make happen. It's an issue superintendent Brian Dolan has seen repeatedly in his 8 years as principal at Dixon High School. His school district has been pushing for this law for a while.

"The thinking behind this is that you can have the victim and the perpetrator both on the same campus," he said. "I can think of 5 or 6 instances that this would have been applicable."

Introduced by state Sen. Lois Wolk, the new law allows school districts to remove a student convicted of a violent felony or a designated misdemeanor if the victim goes to the same school. Before the bill, Dolan says schools were left with little power to help victims avoid their offenders.

"Even in the case of a restraining order issued, students still have the right to get an education, so that surpasses that restraining order," he said.

"I don't think you should be around children if you've had a felony of whatever sort," Leonard said.

But father of three Shawn McClinton says it's not so black and white.

"I don't know. it's kind of mixed emotions about it because if you send them to another school, then they have the opportunity to do it to another child and put another child at risk," said McClinton.

"A lot of people make mistakes and I don't think it's fair to stop them from going to school, especially if it's in their district," said Eliot Dancy.

But Dolan says the new law may actually be good for the offender and help both parties get a fresh start.

"It allows for some separation, the hope being that the victim in particular does not experience negative repercussions," Dolan said.

Before the school can transfer the student, the administration must first make an attempt to resolve the conflict. Dolan says in the days of social media, many incidents no longer involve just two students, so separation is best for the entire school community.