Truancy is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas
Skipping class is obviously something that students should be dissuaded against, but at what cost? Fort Bend County has recently entered the debate as to what extent truancy should be criminalized. This comes as a huge step for Fort Bend, which is the only other county in Texas besides Dallas that has a court dedicated exclusively to hearing truancy proceedings.
Truancy is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas, carrying fines and a criminal record that often tarnishes a student’s previously clean slate. Many people believe that the measures taken against truant students are more punitive than constructive. By giving kids a criminal record at a young age, more burdens are placed on students going forward in life. It can negatively affect future education and employment opportunities for students, which is counter-productive to the goals of public education.
Texas Chief Justice Nathan Hecht is of the opinion that the current system is too harsh on students. He recently raised his voice in the debate over truancy, questioning whether the act is truly criminal. He notes that often times it is the personal hardships and issues at home that cause students to miss school.
Some students deal with a range of personal issues, including illnesses, abuse, and family problems, and often have no support to guide them through their personal challenges. Hecht believes instead of criminalizing these students, decision-makers need to take more productive measures that help support the student’s academic and personal lives.
Fort Bend has already taken steps towards more productive methods in stopping truancy. The county has started campus-wide Attendance Intervention Team programs that meet with students and parents of truant children before any charges are filed. Fort Bend is also starting several initiatives to provide mental and emotional support for students dealing with personal issues.
“We’re not trying to criminalize anyone,” said Fort Bend Judge Ruby Shaw. “We want to see if there’s anything we can do before a complaint is filed.” Still, Fort Bend is one of the toughest districts in the state on truancy, and some decision-makers believe the current system is just fine.
“If I don’t have a way to coerce them back into school, then anything I tell them is just going to fall on deaf ears,” said Justice of the Peace Gary Janssen. “I’m just hoping that whatever comes out of it, that they don’t take the tools away from us that are working.”
