Gwinnett school district’s sexual offense punishments too harsh, some say
Last school year, Gwinnett County’s public school system reported more instances of sexual offenses by students than any district in Georgia, according to state Education Department data.
Gwinnett County officials say they use what they describe as progressive discipline with students to keep classrooms from being disruptive and to protect students.
Some parents and attorneys, though, say the school district’s efforts to punish students for sexual offenses is excessive.
Sexual offenses can include kissing, possessing explicit materials, sexual battery and engaging in sex acts.
Below are the maximum punishments in Gwinnett for some offenses. To read more about the issue, click here.
- kissing: up to a nine-day suspension from school.
- obscene gesture: up to a nine-day suspension from school.
- lewd act self: permanent expulsion.
- sexual battery: permanent expulsion.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He currently writes about higher education and has assisted in the newsroom’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
