HARRISBURG – Senator Scott Martin (R-13) issued the following statement today regarding Senate Bill 530 – which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week – to mandate the removal of any student who is convicted or adjudicated delinquent of sexual assault against a student who attends the same school:
“Even in the middle of a pandemic, we need to look forward to the day when life can return to a more normal state – including when our kids go back to school. I am extremely grateful that even as we deal with the numerous issues related to COVID-19, we are also working to protect some of our most vulnerable young people when schools re-open for the 2020-21 academic year.
“This bill deals with a troubling issue that was brought to my attention by a local family in which a young sexual assault survivor was forced to attend school with the student who raped her, even after the perpetrator was adjudicated delinquent of committing the crime. No victim should have to go to school every day with the looming possibility of being forced to see and interact with the person who hurt them. It is wrong, and it needs to change.
“Young sexual assault survivors deserve nothing less than our unconditional support, love and understanding in the aftermath of their assault. I thank my colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee for bringing us one step closer to giving these young people the additional protection they deserve.”
CONTACT: Terry Trego (717) 787-6535