Duncanville ISD board adopts updated student code of conduct with new device, vaping and antisemitism rules

DUNCANVILLE, Texas — The Duncanville Independent School District board unanimously approved revisions to the district’s 2025–26 student code of conduct on Aug. 18, changing disciplinary options for vaping, removing a prior cap on in‑school suspension, prohibiting personal communication devices during instruction consistent with state law, and explicitly listing antisemitic behavior as a conduct violation.

The changes were presented during the board’s action agenda by the district’s executive director of student services, Tawanna Hudson, and approved by a recorded vote of 7–0.

Board members were told the updated code is intended to align district discipline with state law and best practices while keeping student safety and school climate “at the forefront,” Hudson said. A key change removes the prior mandatory placement in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) for e‑cigarette possession when the device does not involve marijuana or THC; campuses may now assign in‑school suspension (ISS) or other interventions instead. The board also approved removing the previous three‑day cap on ISS: campuses can set placement length but must conduct a formal review at least every 10 days to assess continuation.

The policy changes implement House Bill 1481’s requirements on personal communication devices, Hudson said. Under the revised code, use of phones and similar devices is prohibited during the instructional day unless specifically authorized for an educational purpose or as provided in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The district has posted a dedicated website with frequently asked questions for families and guidance on storage, parent pickup procedures and consistent consequences, Hudson said. She reported minimal problems during the first four days of school with the new device rules.

The code also now names behavior motivated by antisemitism under the district’s “mistreatment of others” section so that consequences and procedures apply clearly when such conduct occurs.

The board’s action was a formal adoption of the revisions; no amendments were recorded in the meeting minutes. Trustees asked no follow‑up substantive questions before voting. The district will publish the updated code and the FAQ resource for families so campuses can follow the uniform enforcement steps described in the presentation.

The board’s vote concludes the item as a formal action; staff and campuses retain discretion to apply the discipline options and must observe the 10‑day review requirement for continued ISS placements.

The district presentation emphasized alignment with state law and the goal of equitable, consistent enforcement across campuses.