New policy aimed at protecting students

A new policy in New Hanover County schools aims to guard students against abuse and harassment.

The policy, adopted by the school board, prohibits school employees from engaging in inappropriate behavior with students. It states no employees can date, court, or be romantically or sexually involved with a student.

New Hanover County schools already require employees to follow state laws against employee-student relationships. The board is backing that with its own policy. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action, or even criminal charges.

“The board's purpose and intent is to make that point as strong as possible because it's for the safety of the students to protect all New Hanover County students,” said Valita Quattlebaum, New Hanover County School’s spokesperson.

The policy was not prompted by any specific incidents.