Louisiana Senate Bill SR39

Louisiana 2020 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 6/26/20
• Passed: 6/28/20

Caption

Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to adopt rules relative to the use of school property and personnel for athletic activities during the 2020-2021 school year to ensure CDC guidelines are implemented to protect the health and safety of student athletes, coaches, and spectators.

Impact

If adopted, the rules enforced by the State Board would mandate compliance with CDC guidelines across all school athletic programs. This means that regardless of local conditions or infection rates, all activities would adhere to uniform health standards aimed at controlling the virus's spread. The resolution emphasizes that consistent guidelines are crucial for equity in athletic participation, allowing all teams and athletes a fair opportunity to prepare and compete. Local school leadership would still have to work closely with regional health officials, but the overarching health regulations would stem from state-level mandates.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 39 (SR39) requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish rules for the use of school property and personnel for athletic activities during the 2020-2021 school year. This resolution aims to align school athletics with the health precautions issued by the CDC and state health officials to ensure the safety and well-being of student athletes, coaches, and spectators as they navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. The resolution recognizes the ongoing pandemic's impact on education and youth sports, necessitating a formal approach to health and safety within the athletic framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR39 appears supportive, particularly regarding the necessity of establishing health guidelines for school athletics during the pandemic. Lawmakers advocate that uniform standards will not only protect student athletes but also uphold the integrity of competitive sports. However, there may be undercurrents of concern over potential pushback from local entities who might prefer to maintain flexibility in response plans based on their unique community situations, thus introducing a slight tension between state directives and local governance.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the balance between ensuring safety and providing local control. While the resolution seeks to uphold uniformity to prevent disparities in athletic conditions, it also raises questions about the autonomy of local school leadership. Concerns may arise that strict adherence to state guidelines could limit local decision-making, which is crucial in tailoring responses to specific health concerns in different areas. Therefore, it remains to be seen how effectively the State Board can navigate these dynamics while promoting both safety and local engagement.