Indiana education committee looks at sexual misconduct

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A group of Indiana lawmakers is looking at sexual misconduct in schools to see if legislation is needed in 2017 to help curb abuse.

Kelly Bauder, legal counsel for the Indiana Department of Education, told the Interim Study Committee on Education on Monday how the department revokes an educator's license if he or she is found to have sexually abused a student. He or she would be prevented from getting a teaching job elsewhere.

Bauder said the department doesn't have legal jurisdiction over unlicensed employees such as coaches, teaching assistants, paraeducators, faculty or volunteers. She said she'd like to see legislation addressing those gaps.

Republican state Sen. Jim Merritt says he'll work closely with the Indiana High School Athletic Association to better protect middle school and high school athletes.

The committee will vote on legislative proposals Sept. 20.

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