Gavin’s Law
Gavin’s Law (H.3583) is legislation that makes sexual extortion, the act of blackmailing someone using sexually explicit images or videos, a felony offense and an aggravated felony if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers bodily injury or death directly related to the crime. In 2022, 17-year-old Gavin Guffey was a victim of sexual extortion, resulting in him taking his own life.
The bills reads in part, “Local school districts shall collaborate with the State Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Attorney General’s office, as appropriate, to implement a policy to educate and notify students of the provisions of this act which includes adequate notice to students, parents, or guardians, the public, and school personnel of the change in law. The State Department of Education must file a report as to the status of the adoption and implementation of the education policies under this act to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, annually by July first of each year.”
Implementation:
Each school will adopt an individual policy that the Board must adopt. Faculty will be informed of the policy.
GCA will post the policy on the school website and notify both parents and students. Gavin’s Law instruction will be incorporated into an instructional period at which time the teacher will show the video from the State Department of Education site. This will be incorporated into the appropriate age-level curriculum.
Goucher Charter Academy
Compliance with Gavin’s Law, Act 54 of 2023
Introduction:
This policy is enacted to ensure strict compliance with Gavin’s Law, Act 54 of 2023, within Goucher Charter Academy. This policy demonstrates the school’s commitment to ensuring compliance with Gavin’s Law and taking measures to educate and inform students, parents, guardians, and the public about the issue of sexual extortion and its consequences. It also outlines a clear framework for oversight, review, and documentation to ensure ongoing adherence to the law’s requirements. This policy outlines the steps and measures that GCA is taking to ensure compliance with Gavin’s Law, Act 54 of 2023, and promote safety and awareness regarding the dangers and consequences of sexual extortion.
Collaboration with Relevant Authorities:
In accordance with the mandates of Gavin’s Law, Goucher Charter Academy is committed to collaborating with the following entities:
-The State Department of Education
-The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
-The Attorney General’s Office, as needed, to facilitate the proper execution of Gavin’s Law within our educational institution.
Student Notification:
To fulfill the requirements for student notification under Gavin’s Law, Goucher Charter Academy will take the following steps:
-Incorporation into Erin’s Law Curriculum: We pledge to integrate the provisions of Gavin’s Law into the Erin’s Law curriculum, offering age-appropriate instruction on the hazards and consequences of sexual extortion to all our students.
-Adequate Notice: GCA will ensure that all students are adequately informed about Gavin’s Law and its implications. This notification may be conveyed through classroom instruction, presentations, informational materials, or other suitable means.
Public Notification:
In an effort to inform the public about Gavin’s Law, GCA will make its Gavin’s Law compliance policy available on our official school website. This approach guarantees full visibility and accessibility to parents or guardians, students, school personnel, and the general public.
Notification to Parents or Guardians and School Personnel:
To keep parents or guardians, as well as school personnel, informed about Gavin’s Law and its implications, GCA will employ preferred notification methods such as newsletters, emails, parent-teacher conferences, or staff meetings to convey information about law changes and our school’s compliance efforts.
Review and Updates:
This policy will be subject to regular review to ensure continuous alignment with Gavin’s Law and to accommodate necessary updates in response to evolving requirements or best practices.
Compliance Oversight:
Goucher Charter Academy will appoint a designated individual to oversee and ensure compliance with this policy. This entity will also serve as a point of contact for any questions or concerns related to Gavin’s Law.
Reporting and Documentation:
GCA will maintain comprehensive records of all activities related to Gavin’s Law compliance, including notifications, instructional materials, and collaboration with relevant authorities.
Legal Authority:
This policy is established in accordance with the legal authority granted by Gavin’s Law, Act 54 of 2023, and any other pertinent federal, state, or local laws and regulations.
Contact Information:
For inquiries regarding this policy or Gavin’s Law compliance, please contact:
Goucher Charter Academy
604 Goucher School Road
Gaffney, SC 29340