For Immediate Release

June 27, 2013
For Immediate Release

Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Introduces Legislation to Ban Sexual Offenders from Entering Classrooms, School Buildings or School Grounds

New York State Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has introduced Senate Bill S.5908 to ban employees from entering public or private school classrooms, buildings, or school grounds if they have been charged with sexual offenses.

Senator Rev. Diaz stated: “My thoughts and prayers remain with Maria Reyes, the grandmother of the 10-year old rape victim, the little girl, and their family.  This piece of legislation will protect our children from being approached on school grounds by an alarming number of known pedophiles who continue to lurk in our school system. I remain disgusted by the Daily News report that cited how New York City education officials tried to fire 128 school employees since 2007 for sexual misconduct or inappropriate relationships with students — but only 33 were actually axed.  These crimes against our precious children must end.  Our children must be protected from pedophiles – sexual predators must not be allowed to enter any classroom, any school building, or even be on school grounds.”

Current New York State law mandates that independent hearing officers determine the punishment of educators found to have committed misconduct.

Anthony Criscuolo, the teacher who has been charged with the rape of the 10-year old Bronx girl, was arraigned last week on charges that include two counts of predatory sexual assault against a child, two counts of rape in the first degree, three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree, and endangering the welfare of a child.  If convicted of sexual assault, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Even though this predator is being held behind bars, there is nothing in the current New York State statute that would prohibit others who have been charged with sexual offenses from remaining in the classroom or being on school grounds.

For further information, please contact Senator Rev. Diaz at (718) 991-3161.