Downey Introduces Bill to Stop Practice of "Passing the Trash"

TRENTON -- Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) this week introduced legislation to the New Jersey General Assembly that would help protect New Jersey students by preventing a practice known as “passing the trash,” whereby teachers accused of sexual assault and misconduct are able to easily move on to new jobs. The legislation addresses what has become a broken system for vetting and hiring teachers, and will prevent further exposure of children to sexual offenders. The legislation will apply to any potential applicant that is seeking employment that involves contact with students in a school district.

“This is a disgusting practice that has long put our students in danger, and it is far past time that we mend these cracks in the system that allow accused predators to continue working in New Jersey schools,” said Downey, “This bill is simple common sense, and will protect New Jersey children from abuse and give parents peace of mind once again.”

The bill (A-2531) was prompted by recent investigations that discovered numerous teachers who had been accused of sexual misconduct, yet still found new jobs in New Jersey schools. Most notably, an ROTC instructor who was accused of inappropriate conduct with students was able to find employment in the Asbury Park schools from 2014 to 2016, despite efforts by the State to revoke his teaching license.

Measures included in Downey’s bill would implement stricter rules regarding hiring practices and require school administrators to share information about investigations into alleged sexual misconduct. The approach outlined in this bill has been endorsed by numerous nonprofit and advocacy organizations.

The bill will likely be referred to the Assembly Education Committee.