Effective Date: February 22, 2024

Introduction:

Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, per the requirements of Gavin’s Law, Act 54 of 2023, “local school districts shall collaborate with the State Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Attorney General's office, as appropriate, to implement a policy to educate and notify students of the provisions of Gavin’s Law. This includes adequate notice to students, parents or guardians, the public, and school personnel of the change in law.”

Board Policy JICFB Gavin’s Law Implementation was adopted 11/13/23 and states:

“Gavin’s Law (S.C. Code Ann. Section 16-15-430) is legislation that makes sexual extortion, the act of blackmailing someone using sexually explicit images or videos, a felony offense and an aggravated felony if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers great bodily injury or death directly related to the crime. 

Gavin’s Law requires the District to collaborate with the State Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Attorney General’s office, as appropriate, to implement a policy to educate and notify students of the provisions of this law, which includes adequate notice to students, parents or guardians, the public, and school personnel. 

In accordance with Gavin’s Law, the District shall notify students of the provisions of this act through providing age-appropriate instruction on the dangers and consequences of sexual extortion. Additionally, notification shall be provided to parents/guardians, the public, and school personnel regarding the law. 

Any student who engages in sexual extortion will be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the District’s Student Code of Conduct. Any employee who engages in sexual extortion will be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the District’s policies governing staff conduct. School administrators shall notify law enforcement immediately of any allegations of such conduct, as required by State law and District policy.” 

Contact Information:

For inquiries regarding this policy or Gavin's Law compliance, please contact:

Ms. Shanna White

Administrator

shanna.white@hshpsc.org

(803) 599-0467