Law grants equal protection to private school teachers

A bill that offers private school teachers and employees the same protections as public school employees was signed into law by Gov. Jon S. Corzine Aug. 2.

Assemblyman Jim Holzapfel (R-10), sponsored the bill in response to a recent New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that private school teachers lacked some of the protections against violence enjoyed by their public school colleagues.

"If a teacher doesn't feel safe speaking to students or parents due to the threat of violence, they cannot effectively teach," said Holzapfel. "These extra protections will help teachers to feel safe in their work and send out the message that violence against any school employee in any school will not be tolerated."

Previously, the crime of simple assault was upgraded to aggravated assault only when committed against public school board members and district employees while clearly identified as being engaged in the performance of their duties. Violent acts against private school teachers and employees were not subject to the upgraded charges.

The bill, A-2556, amends the previous law by clarifying that an assault committed against administrators, teachers, school bus drivers and other private school and charter school employees will also be considered aggravated assault.

Aggravated assault is a third-degree crime if the victim suffers bodily injury or a fourth-degree crime otherwise. Third-degree crimes are punishable by imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Fourth-degree crimes are punishable by imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.