LANSING — Today, a bipartisan group of representatives in the state House introduced a package of bills aimed at combatting sexual assault in the state of Michigan. State Rep. Cara Clemente (D-Lincoln Park) sponsored House Bill 5786 in the package to require the Michigan Department of Education to maintain a record stating the reason or reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, a separation of service for public school employees. In addition, Rep. Clemente issued the following statement:

“I am honored to sponsor a bill in this package and support this bipartisan effort to protect our students at all education levels and in all Michigan classrooms. As a former teacher and parent, I believe students have the right to feel safe in their classrooms, as much as their parents deserve to have the peace of mind knowing their children are protected. Developing a record of public school employee departures adds another critical layer of accountability in providing that safe and protected environment. This bill package is a step in the right direction toward enacting policies that will protect our students and prevent future abuse and sexual assault.”