Colorado Bill Holds Schools Liable for Violence, Allows Release of Information
DENVER, April 14 (UPI) — Colorado lawmakers are advancing a bill that holds public schools liable for shootings and other violence, allowing victims to collect up to $350,000.
The bill, which also allows the victims of school violence to sue for access to information regarding the incident, won support Monday at a state Senate committee hearing. The parents of Claire Davis, who was shot and killed at Arapahoe High School in December 2013, is championing the cause to get information about Karl Pierson, the student who shot her daughter. A separate bill making its way through the Senate will create a committee to study mental health in public schools.
“I will finally get my answers to what really happened at Arapahoe High School that terrible day,” said Claire Davis’ mother, Desiree. “Please don’t make the next mother beg for answers of why her child was killed in a public school in the state of Colorado.”
School district attorneys argued the bill that allows lawsuits will have a negative impact on how schools handle violence.
“This bill creates a lot of exposure for schools,” said Sonja McKenzie, attorney for Cherry Creek School District. “If students engage in any kind of misconduct, in any way shape or form that could be deemed a safety issue, school administrators are going to have no choice other than to suspend or expel those students. In other words, it’s going to eliminate any discretion. Kids won’t get second chances anymore.”
If passed, the bill would mark a huge turnaround in Colorado law, allowing the families of victims to get a more complete picture of those who cause violence on campus. If passed, it would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2013.
Claire Davis, 17, died Dec. 21 after she was shot in the head at the school. Police said Pierson, 18, entered the school with a shotgun, machete and bombs. Instead of turning away, Claire approached him. Pierson shot her and later took his own life.
