Lawmakers Should Override Gov. Malloy’s Veto of Bill to Support Teacher & Student Classroom Safety

Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano (R-North Haven) released the following statement in response to Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s veto of Senate Bill 453 An Act Concerning Classroom Safety and Disruptive Behavior.

“It’s disturbing that Gov. Malloy would veto a bill designed to make our classrooms safer for students and teachers of all races and backgrounds. The Senate unanimously approved this bill, and I am calling on lawmakers to again stand together to reject this veto. In approving this bill we made it clear that physical violence and threats have no place in our classrooms and teachers need to be able to take appropriate steps to keep their classrooms safe. In society today teachers play a major role in the development of our children. In many cases, they are more than educators. They are mentors, they are parents, they are psychologists, they respond to emergencies. They teach, love and care for our children. Senate Bill 453 would help Connecticut’s teachers better respond to disruptive student behavior so that everyone can work and learn in a classroom free from assault and physical harm. This bill includes measures to require boards of education to address daily classroom safety in their safe school climate plans and provide support for training and assistance for teachers. It is common sense legislation and lawmakers should stand together to protect it.”