IN- Sex offender claims

Will lawmakers ever resort to using evidence based reasoning? There is a constitutional right to attend meetings that affect public rights (every state has these laws), and that right has not been denied anyone previously convicted of a crime.

2-27-2009 Indiana:

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Donald Hyde served seven months in prison for child solicitation starting in 2002. He then served time in 2003 for parole violation.

Right now sex offenders, like Hyde, cannot legally live within 1000 feet of a school, but the law does not restrict them from going to school events.

Last Monday, the Vigo County School Board moved to restrict sex offenders from all events on school property, including school board meetings.

Now Hyde is speaking out.

"One of the things I did learn was to be careful around children," said Hyde.

Hyde says he's not a danger to anybody, especially children, and he has a right to attend the meetings. He also says people are making assumptions that are not true.

The school board may amend the restriction to allow sex offenders to attend meetings only, but they have not decided yet.

Hyde said he does plan to attend the next meeting on March 9. ..News Source.. by Jessica Hayes