Louisiana Senate Bill SR171

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/21/19
• Refer: 5/22/19

Caption

Commends teachers at Ponchatoula Junior High School who broke up a fight between students and were subsequently relieved of their jobs.

Impact

The resolution addresses a significant gap in school policy regarding incidents of student altercations, calling for the Tangipahoa Parish School Board to establish clear guidelines on how teachers should respond to such situations. The fear of repercussions for stepping in during fights has raised concerns among faculty, as expressed by other teachers who participated in protests following the terminations. This highlights a broader need for policies that protect both students and educators while providing a structured response in crisis situations.

Summary

Senate Resolution 171 commends two teachers from Ponchatoula Junior High School for their courageous actions in intervening during a fight between students. Following their intervention, the teachers were terminated, sparking outrage among their peers and the broader community. The resolution highlights the teachers’ bravery in taking action to protect students and maintain discipline, arguing that they should not have faced punishment for their efforts. Instead, it aims to recognize their contributions and stress the importance of a supportive environment for educators who act in the interest of student safety.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR171 is largely supportive of the two teachers, reflecting a strong belief in the necessity of teacher intervention when it comes to student safety. However, there is also an implicit criticism of the school district’s response to their actions. While the resolution is a form of commendation, it also serves as a critique of a culture that may discourage teachers from acting in emergencies due to fear of job loss. The community response illustrates a call for change in how schools handle disciplinary incidents and protect their staff.

Contention

There has been notable contention surrounding SR171, particularly regarding the lack of clear policy on the responsibilities and protections for teachers intervening in student altercations. The termination of the teachers created a ripple effect, leading to protests and demands for structured guidelines. Critics of the district's actions are concerned about the potential chilling effect on teacher willingness to intervene in similar scenarios in the future, fearing that punitive measures could encourage passivity instead of proactive engagement in student safety.