Sen. Daughtry bill to help ensure safe learning environment for teachers becomes law

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, a bill from Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, to help ensure Maine educators have safe environments to teach in became law. LD 880, “An Act To Protect School Employees from Workplace Bullying,” became law without the governor’s signature. 

“Just as students deserve a safe place to learn, educators deserve a safe space to teach. To make sure our schools are the best they can be, districts need to have the backs of their teachers and staff if they’re facing harassment or bullying,” said Sen. Daughtry. “I know this new law will help educators across our state feel more supported.”

As amended, LD 880 would require school districts to have internal policies that address and prevent bullying and harassment against educators and school staff.

“This proposal affirms the Legislature’s finding that all students have the right to attend public schools that are safe, secure, and peaceful, but takes the common-sense step to add school employees to this finding,” said Andrew Mason, testifying on behalf of the Maine Education Association in favor of the bill. “As this pandemic has revealed, school employees already deal with and face a number of challenges in performing their job. They should be allowed to work in an environment free from bullying, just as every student has the same right.”

LD 880 will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.