TexasAppleseed.net

Texas Appleseed
WHAT WE DO: PDF Print E-mail

  • PROMOTE social and economic justice

  • CHAMPION the rights of the poor and marginalized

  • PARTNER with pro bono attorneys and other professionals

  • FOCUS on systemic solutions to major social problems


Founded in 1996, TEXAS APPLESEED is a public interest law center that—through extensive research and analysis, advocacy and pro bono partnerships—works for greater educational, economic and social justice.  Ours is one of 16 Appleseed centers throughout the United States and Mexico City.
 
In the Spotlight PDF Print E-mail

Texas Appleseed Files Suit to Compel Release of Policies Governing Use of Tasers & Pepper Spray in Public Schools 


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Texas Appleseed has filed suit in Harris and Bexar County district courts (11.12.2009) to compel Spring Branch and San Antonio ISDs to release policies specifying the types of force that school police officers can use at school.

In its petitions for writ of mandamus, Texas Appleseed contends that parents and taxpayers have a right to see school policing policies and to participate in a meaningful discussion about whether or not and under what conditions their children should be exposed to pepper spray, Tasers or other types of force at school.  These types of force pose health risks to children, particularly those with physical and mental disabilities. 

Attorney General Gregg Abbott recently issued brief opinion letters supporting Spring Branch and San Antonio ISDs' claim that their use of force policies fall under the law enforcement exception to the Public Information Act, a protection that is meant to keep sensitive law enforcement strategies off-limits to potential criminals who could use this information to avoid the law or arrest. 

However, other school districts have released their use of force policies to Texas Appleseed -- and both the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission make their use of force policies available to the public.  Pro bono attorneys with Mayer Brown LLP, Houston, and Crews Law Firm, Austin, filed the petitions on Texas Appleseed's behalf. 

Texas Appleseed Files Use Of Force Suit   Press release, 11-12-2009

TA Petition for Writ of Mandamus (Spring Branch ISD)   Filed 11-12-2009

TA Petition for Writ of Mandamus (San Antonio ISD)   Filed 11-12-2009

TA Letter to Attorney General Greg Abbott   9-3-2009, references documented incidents of use of pepper spray and Tasers in Texas publlic schools


For more information and copies of AG opinion letters, CLICK HERE .
 

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