TERRE HAUTE —
Indiana State University trustees today will consider a proposed policy related to minors on campus and protection of children.
Trustees requested the policy in response to a Penn State child sex abuse scandal involving former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. Other colleges across the country are developing similar policies.
The board is expected to approve the policy to go out for university comment, with final action in February.
It reads in part, “This policy is designed to present clear instructions and protocols in the event that persons may become aware of any child abuse or neglect exhibited toward minors who are on our campus or in our programs, and to protect against inappropriate behaviors toward such minors.”
Various provisions deal with background checks and reporting requirements based on Indiana law.
Melony Sacopulos, university legal counsel, said the policy recognizes “that minors need special protections in place for their safety.” It also provides a structure, and consistency, in how programs involving minors are administered.
In the wake of the Penn State scandal, “It has been common for other universities to develop similar policies,” she said.
The biggest change, she said, is that anyone, including volunteers, who works with minors in a program — whether it is offered by ISU or an outside group on campus — must undergo criminal background checks.
ISU already requires such background checks for all new employees, she said, and she believes that most ISU personnel who work with minors have had background checks “unless they have been with the university a long time.”
But volunteers who work with minors “may or may not have background checks,” she said.
Primarily, the new policy affects organizations that use ISU facilities to offer programs involving minors. Under the changes, anyone who offers a program involving minors on campus must do background checks on those who have direct contact with minors. That will be required.
The policy states: “Unless there is an exception provided in procedures, programs involving minors must ensure that all faculty, staff, students, volunteers or other personnel who will work with minors have been subject to a criminal background check and sex offender registry check within the least three years.”
It further states, “A program may not allow the participation … of anyone whose criminal background check and/or sex offender registry check includes a record of sexually-based offenses or crimes against children.”
If the check includes a record of other offenses, then programs should consult with Human Resources to determine if those offenses should preclude participation, the policy states.
The policy doesn’t change reporting requirements for those who become aware of child abuse or neglect, Sacopulos said, but “it brings to the forefront how you report.”
Indiana law requires any person who has reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or neglect “has an affirmative duty” to make an oral report to Child Protective Services or to local law enforcement, including ISU police, the policy states.
Another provision states, “Both Indiana law and this policy require that faculty, staff, students, volunteers and other university personnel report any suspected abuse of minors to the ISU director of public safety. The ISU director of public safety will then report such suspected abuse to Child Protective Services, which will then conduct an investigation.”
The policy is a general one, Sacopulos said, and specific procedures will be developed at a later time that go into more detail.
Trustees also will receive a proposed “whistleblowers” policy aimed at protecting from retaliation those who report suspected “wrongdoing” (violation of law or university policy).
“It protects individuals who make good faith reports [about suspected wrongdoing] from employment or academic retaliation,” Sacopulos said.
While state law does provide such “whistleblower” protection for employees of public colleges and universities, ISU believes “it would probably be beneficial to reiterate that in policy form and provide some guidance” regarding how — and to whom — employees should report suspected wrongdoing, Sacopulos said.
There will be related procedures to go along with the policy. Trustees will be asked to approve the policy for university comment, with final action in February.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
News
ISU reviews several policies
University trustees to hear proposed changed to policies relating to minors on campus, ‘whistleblowers’
- News
-
-
ISU unveils interactive Bayh Family Legacy Wall at school
A who’s who of Indiana Democrats paid tribute to Evan Bayh and several generations of the Bayh family Friday during a dedication of a new interactive display at Indiana State University.
-
Can you smell me now?
A contraband cell phone has been discovered by the Vigo County Jail’s youngest and most unique officer.
-
GIVING BACK: Steve Weatherford buys shoes for kids day before charity run
Terre Haute’s Steve Weatherford, punter for the 2012 Super Bowl champion New York Giants, showed once again his generosity Friday by donating new athletic shoes to more than two dozen Vigo County kids.
-
N.Y. Giants honor Weatherford as ‘Man of the Year’
Dan Tanoos, superintendent of Vigo County schools, remembers the first time he saw Steve Weatherford as a freshman at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.
-
Sunday recital at The Woods
A recital featuring songs from well-known composers is at 7 p.m. Sunday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
-
Police investigating rash of car window shootings
Terre Haute Police are investigating a rash of shootings that have shattered car windows throughout the city.
-
City hospitals get passing grades for patient safety
Two Terre Haute hospitals have been ranked for patient safety by an independent organization that assesses safety, quality and affordability of healthcare for Americans.
-
Three from Operation Turn and Burn sentenced in federal court
Three co-conspirators in a Wabash Valley methamphetamine trafficking ring were sentenced this week to several years in federal prison.
-
Skateboarders, BMX bike riders working to improve area of city park they use
The sound of small wheels rolling across smooth concrete fills the air, accented by the clacking noise of a wooden skateboard coming to an instant stop on a metal edge before rolling on again.
-
Indiana State to host 2014 MVC baseball tourney
Build it… and they will come. The Missouri Valley Conference and Indiana State University made that famous line from the movie “Fields Of Dreams” reality Thursday.
-
Overlay recommended for 812 area code
The state agency that represents Hoosier utility customers is calling for a ten-digit solution to southern Indiana’s vanishing supply of 812 area code telephone numbers.
-
Elementary school saddened by student’s death
A 9-year-old Dixie Bee Elementary student died unexpectedly Wednesday evening as the result of pneumonia, said Vigo County Coroner Susan Amos on Thursday.
-
Vermillion CSX crossings undergoing maintenance
CSX maintenance crews are working on railroad crossings between Dana and Chrisman, Ill. this week and next, a CSX official said Thursday.
-
Beware of scams everywhere
Ever get a phone call in the middle of the night from a person claiming to be your grandchild, who unfortunately has been jailed in Canada and needs bail money?
-
INDOT to start work on Indiana 163 in Vermillion County
Maintenance crews will begin a pavement preservation project Monday on Indiana 163, between Indiana 63 and the Illinois state line west of Clinton.
-
Union Hospital community garden spots now available
Community gardening spots are now available at the Union Hospital Community Garden for Wabash Valley residents interested in planting and maintaining a garden but may not have the space. The garden is located west of the intersection of North Sixth Street and Seventh Avenue in Terre Haute at 1430 N. Sixth St.
-
Correctional officer remembered at memorial
Greene County native and Wabash Valley Correctional Facility Officer Timothy Betts was honored during a memorial ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
-
Money donated for Dresser sculpture
100+ Women Who Care of Vigo County on Thursday awarded a $20,200 grant to Art Spaces that will help make the Paul Dresser sculpture, “A Song for Indiana,” a reality.
-
Powerball jackpot quickly jumps to $550 million
The Powerball jackpot jumped to $550 million on Thursday — the third largest lottery in history — as dreamers in all but the seven states where the game isn’t played snatched up tickets for the minuscule chance at a life on easy street.
-
About 200 channel catfish find new home in Dobbs Park pond
About 200 channel catfish transferred into a new home at the Dobbs Park pond on Wednesday, but it’s unclear how long they’ll remain there. That depends upon the people fishing.
-
GED grads turn the tassels
Michelle McClendon’s first child was born when she was 15.
She tried to stay in school, but it was just too much, so she dropped out to take care of her daughter. -
MARK BENNETT: Local summer music series idea remains a good one
One-of-a-kind ideas happen rarely.
As the biblical adage goes, there is nothing new under the sun. We humans succeed occasionally, inventing electricity, automobiles, telephones and the Internet. Invariably, though, someone else insists, “Hey, my grandpa thought of that years before Edison.” -
State to spend $2M to clean up voter rolls
Indiana’s bloated voter registration rolls, which officials say make elections more susceptible to fraud, will soon come under more scrutiny by the state.
-
Community tips lead to arrest on methamphetamine charges
Acting on community tips and other information, Indiana State Police troopers from the Putnamville District Meth Lab Enforcement Team were led to a rural Vigo County residence where they arrested the homeowner on meth-related charges and a female companion on a Clay County warrant for driving while suspended.
-
Historic National Road Yard Sale begins May 29
Bargains galore are expected along a 824-mile stretch of U.S. 40 as the annual The Historic National Road Yard Sale begins May 29 and continues through June 2
-
Woman arrested after selling relatives truck without permission
A Terre Haute woman faces a charge of auto theft after being arrested for selling a relative’s vehicle without permission.
-
Redevelopment Commission hears TIF districts in good shape
Terre Haute’s special economic development taxing districts, known as TIF districts, are in good financial shape, according to a report given Wednesday to the city’s five-member Redevelopment Commission.
-
Tribune-Star staff wins awards from IAPME
The Tribune-Star was well represented once again at the annual Indiana Associated Press Media Editors awards in Indianapolis Saturday.
-
Indiana’s 2013 Click It or Ticket effort begins Friday
As motorists take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, the Vigo County Traffic Safety Partnership is urging everyone to buckle up as Indiana’s 2013 Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement effort begins Friday.
-
Giving back to the community: Day of Energy
Flowers and fresh paint. A new platform for handicapped seating. Spotlight replacement. And even a new utility pole and electrical service. About 10 different projects made positive improvements at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds on Thursday through a volunteer work day called “Duke Energy in Action.”
- More News Headlines
-
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
China, Others Want What's Under the Arctic Ice
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Suicide Bomber Kills 2 Americans, 13 Others
Raw: Germany Protestors Picket Barbie House
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
One Million Evacuated As Cyclone Hits Bangladesh
Officials Arrest Man in Idaho in Terrorism Case
Raw: Pope Frees Doves From Cage
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Music Therapy Bonds Parents and Preemies
Raw: 6 Die in Russian Ship Fire
Thieves Drain $45M From ATMs in Hours
Today in History for May 15th
Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
Dad returns from Afghanistan, surprises family during Rays' first pitch
See Jennifer Lopez's New $10m Hamptons Mansion
Woman tricked into taking abortion pill
Emma Watson Goes Pantless
IRS scandal: Republicans seek to tie Obama to agency's woes
Play of the Day: Flipping to Safety
Pregnant Kim Kardashian Squeezes Her Swollen Feet Into Stilettos
Top Videos of the Week: Angry Taco Bell Guy, Glacier Moves on House, Dog Hates Baths
Cindy Crawford Stuns At Cannes
Raw: Marines Come to Obama's Aid in the Rain
CUTE: Monkey shares lollipop with dog, then HITS pooch on head with it
Miranda Kerr Looks Sexy in a Bikini Photo Shoot
Hatchet-wielding viral video star, once a hero, now a murder suspect
