Erin’s Law and Gavin’s Law
Student Safety, Sexual Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Extortion Awareness
Erin’s Law
Erin’s Law Implementation in Richland School District Two
In accordance with South Carolina Code of Laws Section 59-32-20 (Erin’s Law), Richland School District Two provides age-appropriate instruction on personal safety to help students recognize, respond to, and report sexual abuse and assault.
Each school delivers lessons annually that are aligned with state-approved standards and designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and seek help from trusted adults. Instruction is provided by trained, certified educators using developmentally appropriate materials and resources, with separate units appropriate for each grade band from four-year-old kindergarten through twelfth grade.
The South Carolina Department of Education has reviewed and identified instructional resources for sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention. A list of approved programs can be accessed on the Instructional Resources page of the SCDE Health Education website. Families may request information about the lessons taught at their child’s school by contacting the school counselor or principal.
Gavin’s Law
Gavin’s Law Implementation in Richland School District Two
Richland School District Two is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students and staff. In alignment with Gavin’s Law (Act 54 of 2023, S.C. Code Section 16-15-430), the district educates and notifies students, parents and guardians, school personnel, and the public about sexual extortion — a serious form of harassment and exploitation — and maintains policies that prohibit it.
What Is Gavin’s Law?
Gavin’s Law defines sexual extortion as intentionally and maliciously threatening to release, exhibit, or distribute a private, sexually explicit image of another person in order to compel that person to do something against their will, including to obtain additional images or anything else of value. When the victim is a minor or a vulnerable adult, or suffers great bodily injury or death, the offense is classified as aggravated felony sexual extortion with enhanced penalties. The law is named in memory of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey, who was a victim of sexual extortion in 2022.
Key Provisions for Students and Staff
- Prohibited Conduct: All forms of sexual extortion, and retaliation against anyone who reports it, are strictly prohibited.
- Applies to All: These provisions apply to students, staff, parents and legal guardians, contractors, volunteers, visitors, and other members of the community.
- Consequences:
- Students in violation may face disciplinary action up to expulsion and referral to law enforcement.
- Staff violations may result in termination and criminal investigation.
- Visitors and volunteers may be banned from district property and referred to authorities.
Criminal Penalties Under State Law
- Felony sexual extortion: imprisonment of up to 5 years for a first offense, up to 10 years for a second offense, and up to 20 years for a third or subsequent offense.
- Aggravated felony sexual extortion: imprisonment of up to 20 years.
- Offenders who are minors: charges are generally treated as a misdemeanor and handled through family court, which may include mandatory counseling.
How Richland Two Educates and Notifies Our Community
To fulfill the education and notification provisions of Gavin’s Law, the district collaborates with the South Carolina Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Attorney General’s Office, as appropriate, and uses the following methods to reach students, parents and guardians, the public, and school personnel:
- Student instruction: Age-appropriate lessons on the dangers and consequences of sexual extortion are incorporated into the district’s Erin’s Law personal-safety curriculum.
- Family and public notification: Information is shared with families through ParentSquare — the district’s unified communications platform for calls, texts, emails, and app notifications — and through the annual Student/Parent Handbook.
- Public posting: This notice and the district’s related policies are posted on the Richland Two website for full visibility and accessibility to the public.
- Staff notification and training: School personnel are informed of the law and their reporting responsibilities through staff communications and required training.
- Board policy: The district’s policies are maintained in the Richland Two Board Policy Manual (student and staff policies addressing sexual extortion under Gavin’s Law).
Our Commitment
Richland School District Two will continue to educate students, staff, and families about the dangers of sexual extortion and how to report concerns safely and confidentially. We encourage open communication and work closely with law enforcement to address violations swiftly and appropriately. Together, we can foster a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for every student and staff member.
For More Information
Review the district’s Gavin’s Law policies in the Richland Two Board Policy Manual (model policy codes JICFB for students and GBEBE for staff), or contact your school administrator. Additional information about Gavin’s Law is available from the South Carolina Department of Education.
District Contacts
- Office of Communications & Strategic Partnerships — 803.738.3306, info@richland2.org
- Title IX Coordinator — Kelly Larkins, MSW, LMSW, PHR, SHRM-CP, pHCLE, 803.738.3338
- Director of Safety & Security — 803.736.3774