Most teachers feel it will never happen to them, but the ugly phenomenon of educators being falsely accused of abuse against students is growing each year. To help teachers, Colorado Education Association attorney Greg Lawler and mass media researcher/author Matthew Olson have teamed up to write Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Teachers and Accusations of Abuse, newly released by New Forums Press.
"Crimes against children are unspeakable," notes Lawler, who has been fighting for teachers' rights for 15 years. "The natural instinct of our society is to protect our children at all cost. In the process, collateral damage has been done to teachers wrongly accused of abuse."
Using real cases that Lawler has litigated, the authors explain the role of legislators, the media and the public in such emotional crises.
"We wrote the book because teachers are increasingly under fire from students, parents and administrators," explains Olson. The book outlines cases in Colorado that have application across the nation, examines pending legislation and suggests ways teachers can protect themselves from wrongful accusations.
The book, which retails for $16.95, can be purchased on the New Forums website [www.newforums.com/], through Amazon.com or at bookstores.
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