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Calcasieu Parish School Board approves multiple student discipline code revisions; counsel clarifies off‑campus jurisdiction
Summary
The board accepted committee recommendations to revise the student code of conduct — adding or clarifying levels for technology misuse, possession of vaping/THC devices, harmful social‑media challenges and other items — and heard counsel explain that schools may discipline off‑campus behavior only when it materially affects education or school operations.
The Calcasieu Parish School Board on April 14 accepted a package of discipline policy changes proposed by its Discipline Review Committee, covering dress code wording, acceptable use/technology violations, possession of vaping and THC electronic devices, social‑media challenge language and definitions for misconduct levels.
Committee members presented each recommended change and read motions to approve the language; the board voted on the committee's package by voice vote and the motion was carried. Among the specific changes were additions to definitions for computer abuse, new level‑four classifications for possession of smart digital glasses and multiple vape devices, and revisions to language addressing harmful social‑media challenges and bullying/cyberbullying.
A board member raised a question about jurisdiction for off‑campus conduct. Board counsel summarized the legal standard: schools may take disciplinary action for off‑campus conduct only if the conduct affects the education of students or the ability of schools to operate and discipline students. Counsel noted the Supreme Court has limited schools’ authority in some off‑campus speech cases, and that disciplinary decisions depend on demonstrated effects on school activity.
Board members discussed the language and asked for clarification on scope; the amended language was approved as recommended by the committee. The board also indicated it would continue to review particular items (for example, protections for recess and the dress code for elementary students) where motions to table or revisit were recorded in committee.
