JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A state law introduced in response to arrests at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts is now one step closer to a vote in the Florida Senate.
The legislation, spearheaded by Senator Clay Yarborough, aims to clarify when schools and parents should be notified of an arrest involving school staff, as well as when a staff member should be removed from their position.
Yarborough’s initiative follows the arrest of algebra teacher Chris Allen-Black in February 2024, who was accused of exposing himself. But DCPS said Allen-Black was not relieved of his duties until April 11. Parents of students in his classes were not informed of his arrest and subsequent removal until April 17.
At Tuesday’s Senate Criminal Justice Committee meeting, Yarborough said, “I wish we did not have to take up this bill, but due to some circumstances that we have had out there, this is very important for us to do.”
Yarborough has been outspoken about the situation at Douglas Anderson. He represents Nassau County and parts of Duval County. In a letter to the school district in April 2024, he said, “As a graduate of Duval County schools, it pains me that we are having to deal with issues like these, but they must be addressed—and quickly. Enough is enough."
In February, Yarborough filed SB 1374, which details proposed changes on:
- Removing instructional personnel
- Requirements for law enforcement to notify
- Requirements to self-report “certain arrests or judgments”
The bill mandates that school districts adopt a policy to temporarily remove instructional personnel from the classroom within 24 hours of learning about an arrest for a felony or certain misdemeanors. Furthermore, schools would be required to notify parents of students who had direct contact with the employee within a day, providing at least the name and specific charges against the staff member.
“So that we can make sure our students are protected,” Yarborough said to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.
Additionally, any instructional or administrative personnel would have 48 hours to self-report an arrest to the school district and provide updates on any conviction or pleas for anything criminal other than a minor traffic violation.
The bill received a unanimous vote of 9-0 in favor of advancing the legislation in the Criminal Justice Committee.
The bill now goes to the Rules Committee before a final vote in the Senate.
A House companion bill has also been filed, and if these bills pass, it would take effect in July of this year.
