After her daughter was sexually assaulted, a Springfield teacher joins lawmakers to protect students

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A bill filed by two local Republican lawmakers could force Illinois school boards to expel students who sexually assault other students.

Springfield teacher Ashley Peden lives in Stonington, where her 10-year-old daughter would take the bus to Taylorville Junior High school.

Peden told reporters in Springfield Wednesday that a 14-year-old boy began to sexually assault Peden's daughter on the school bus. This continued over a week, where it escalated to the boy chasing the girl away from the bus, pinning her down, covering her mouth and committing violent sexual acts. The boy would later admit to all of the sexual assaults.

After that, Peden's daughter confided in adults seeking their help. Police were notified and the girl obtained an emergency order of protection. When the emergency order was sent to the principal, Peden was assured the situation would be handled appropriately.

However, according to Peden, administrators created a safety plan in hopes to avoid the students coming in contact with each other. The boy could only remain in the 8th grade hall and he would have to use a different school bus, traveling with K-4th grade students. Buses would then arrive at different times since they used the same bus stop.

Peden said this plan was only shared with the bus company, her daughter's teacher, and office staff. Yet, there was no mention of the sexual assault.

"No one else knew of the assaults," Peden said. "No one else knew of the safety plan. No one was keeping the students safe from future assaults from occurring."

After multiple meetings over three weeks with the school and law enforcement, the boy would be sent to an alternative school.

However, Peden got a call a year later that the boy was returning to the school and that her daughter would be forced to take the K-4th grade bus.

After another set of meetings and court orders, the boy was forced back to the alternative school. This is when Peden contacted her local lawmakers.

The new plan from Republicans would require Illinois school boards to expel students for no less than one year when a student sexually assaults another student.

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said he's had other people come forward saying they've had similar experiences with school districts not taking sexual assault seriously.

"Without telling the parents or students on the bus, you've got this student who's a danger to other students just riding another bus with younger students who could easily be victimized," McClure said.

Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) said this should have been taken more seriously.

"We're going to put this at the same level as other types of violence, whether it be firearms or something else," Davidsmeyer said. "This was held to a lower standard and there's no reason that sexual assault should be held to a lower standard."

Both McClure and Davidsmeyer also said it's more than just the punishment, but giving the help and support the student who experienced sexual assault needs.

Peden said the entire situation made her question if she should stay in her job as a teacher.

"I went to my admin and said 'please tell me what we would do in this situation,'" Peden said. "Because if this is how we're going to handle it I can no longer work here."

Thankfully, Peden's school had stronger policies in place for Springfield students.

Senate Bill 98 would require support from Democrats, who hold a supermajority in Springfield. The plan is now in the Senate Assignments Committee. However, the measure could be kicked out to another committee for lawmakers to discuss it over the coming weeks.