Ground-breaking legislation has come into force in the state of Texas, where schools are now required if requested to install cameras in classrooms used for students with special needs.
Governor Greg Abbott (pictured) has signed Senate Bill 507, making it law for cameras – if requested by a parent, trustee or staff member – to be installed in schools. The cameras are expected to cover the whole classroom, but will not cover areas where the children might be changing or using the lavatory.
Schools must keep the footage of the children’s daily activities for up to a year. There are limits on who may view the recordings and circumstances in which any footage can be reviewed.
Motivation behind the new law, which takes effect at the start of the 2016 school year, stems from calls from parents in the US to protect students with special needs from mistreatment. The move is also aimed at protecting teachers who face wrongful accusations. Schools are required to notify parents of the new policy before using the cameras.
A number of school districts have opposed the bill, expressing concerns about the cost and whether cameras in classrooms can improve student safety. Installation costs are estimated at between $200,000 and $300,000, with schools having to fund it themselves.
A petition supporting the bill on Change.org attracted over 1,000 supporters.
Published: 3 August 2015
