The Knesset has approved in a preliminary reading a bill initiated by the chairman of the Education, Culture and Sports Committee, MK Sharren Haskel, which would permit the Education Ministry to suspend or fire teachers suspected of harassment or sexual assault.
"Being a teacher is a mission," Haskel said. "People who hold such an important role, educating our children, teachers who are role models for their students, should not be able to use their authority and power to ruin children's lives and scar their souls. Teachers who commit sexual offenses are dangerous criminals who should be behind bars.
"My bill seeks to put an end to the double suffering faced by students who have become victims. It will allow the Ministry of Education to suspend or fire any teacher against whom criminal proceedings have been instituted. I will do everything in my power to pass this important bill as soon as possible," she said.