Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 24, 1993 TAG: 9304240214
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LAURA WILLIAMSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The move attempts to erase a "black eye" that mars teachers because of their opposition to child-abuse laws, said Kitty Boitnott, president of the VEA district that covers Roanoke County, Covington and Allegheny Highlands.
Boitnott, who voted for the resolution in what she termed "a symbolic gesture," said she hoped it would dispel the belief "that VEA is in the business of protecting child abusers."
The VEA has been sharply criticized for its efforts during the past two years to kill a law that allows the state to keep computer records of teachers who are suspected - not proven - child abusers.
But some argued that polishing the association's public image was no reason to push for new laws.
"If the intent is to protect children, fingerprint all teachers, not just new ones," said Shawn Hopkins, a teacher from Hanover who spoke against the motion.
Others objected that such a law would violate their right to privacy and encourage people to distrust teachers.
"I am professionally offended that I would be asked to do this when I do so much for our children already," said Kimberly Helms of Montgomery County.
The bill, for which the VEA has yet to find a sponsor, would require teachers to submit to fingerprinting and to pass criminal record checks before they could receive a license. Those already licensed - except in 11 school districts that already fingerprint - would not be required to undergo record checks.
During their annual conference at the Roanoke Civic Center on Friday, VEA members passed the item after early morning debate, then raised the issue a second time during the afternoon session. It failed to receive the necessary two-thirds vote to bring the measure back on the floor.
VEA members from the Roanoke Valley were divided over the issue.
Mason Powell, a Fleming High School teacher, opposed the measure on grounds it was "too fuzzy."
He complained that the motion focused only on keeping pedophiles out of the schools and failed to mention murderers or rapists.
"In other words, we should say what we mean," he said.
by CNB