Alabama law limits students’ gifts to teachers


An Alabama teacher who accepts a Christmas ham or a $25 gift card from a student is breaking Alabama’s ethics law. The possible penalty? Up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine for the teacher who accepts the gift, the Associated Press reports. The law, which took effect earlier this year and is considered one of the toughest in the country, limits what public officials and employees can receive as gifts to a “de minimis” value, but it doesn’t define that amount. With most schools about to get out for the holidays, the State Ethics Commission has been flooded with calls about what students can give.

“The bottom line for me is, our teachers are being forced to make a decision between breaking the law or breaking a child’s heart,” said Amy O’Neal, a teacher at Pine Crest Elementary School about 30 miles southeast of Birmingham.

Click here for the full story

Sign up for our K-12 newsletter

Newsletter: Innovations in K12 Education
By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Want to share a great resource? Let us know at submissions@eschoolmedia.com.

New AI Resource Center
Get the latest updates and insights on AI in education to keep you and your students current.
Get Free Access Today!

"*" indicates required fields

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Email Newsletters:

By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

eSchool News uses cookies to improve your experience. Visit our Privacy Policy for more information.