There was a lot of shock and surprise when a Jefferson Parish student was sidelined from school for having a BB gun visible during a virtual class in September. Most who heard about the case could not imagine that the school district, or any school district, would punish an elementary school kid for handling a gun in his bedroom with no danger to other students. School district officials said it was a matter of policy, that virtual schooling extended into homes where students are being educated during the pandemic.
The story got worldwide attention because the penalty did not seem to use common sense. Jefferson Parish school leaders have had multiple opportunities to explain why this makes sense. They have chosen not to do so. It’s time for them to clean up part of the mess and remove the suspension from Ka’Mauri Harrison’s record.
The school district has been adamant that Harrison was wrong and deserved an appropriate penalty. The initial six-day suspension was later reduced to three days of suspension and three days of unexcused absences. Not exactly comforting for Harrison or his parents.
The district has been criticized by Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough, the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Rifle Association, among others. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry added to the criticism, then took action. There are cases filed in state court and federal court. School system attorneys accuse Landry and Solicitor General Elizabeth Murrill of “grandstanding” and using “smear tactics” as a part of advocating for Ka’Mauri and his family. Separately, Landy’s office has been investigating the incident for possible constitutional rights violations.
In yet another lawsuit, Landry alleges state open meeting law violations in connection with a virtual discipline policy the district considered. Ironically, Landry was slapping the district for improperly considering a policy created by the Louisiana state legislature as a result of the Harrison incident. The new law requires all school districts to develop, consider then implement a virtual discipline policy.
Jefferson Parish may have good legal reasons to justify punishing Ka’Mauri, but they have not given a good public reason. No matter what, the legal tussle is likely to continue. The right thing to do, though, is to soften the impact on Harrison by removing the suspension from his record. He’s already served the suspension. It would be helpful not to have a blemish on the young man’s record as he moves to high school and college.
This matter has gone on long enough. It might not be resolved or settled in the courts for some time. Jefferson Parish Schools can clean this tawdry mess by showing young Harrison that sometimes adults can make mistakes and correct them.
513728 814854Very good day! This post could not be written any greater! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing! 527965
304438 736981Bookmarked your wonderful web site. Fabulous work, unique way with words! 418622
550263 437185I like this blog its a master peace ! Glad I detected this on google . 221179
319233 310045Hi there, just became aware of your blog via Google, and located that its truly informative. Ill be grateful in case you continue this in future. Lots of men and women will benefit from your writing. Cheers! 336560
19289 320623I visited lots of web site but I believe this 1 contains something extra in it in it 310924
900621 590649Oh my goodness! a fantastic post dude. Thanks Nonetheless My business is experiencing concern with ur rss . Do not know why Struggling to join it. Is there anybody obtaining identical rss concern? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx 634625
853063 418916Would enjoy to constantly get updated great web blog ! . 298632
77953 177004i was just browsing along and came upon your blog. just wantd to say excellent website and this post actually helped me. 105263
744725 505453I discovered your blog website on google and examine numerous of your early posts. Continue to preserve up the superb operate. I just extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. In search of forward to reading much more from you later on! 122223
185287 481375I truly appreciated this amazing weblog. Make positive you keep up the very good work. All the best !!!! 121338
499648 321169Great beat ! I would like to apprentice whilst you amend your internet site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a applicable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided shiny transparent thought. 734181
438445 984108Companion, this web site will be fabolous, i merely like it 393428
774250 960480Hey this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. Im starting a weblog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any aid would be greatly appreciated! 662760
75956 929862 There are some interesting points in time in this post but I dont know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Excellent post , thanks and we want a lot more! Added to FeedBurner as well 490321
773647 468507If youre needing to produce alteration in an individuals llife, during i would say the Are normally Bodyweight peeling off pounds training course are a wide path in the direction of gaining any search. la weight loss 251412
938349 705956I believe your suggestion would be helpful for me. I will let you know if its function for me too. Thank you for sharing this beautiful articles. thanks a great deal 178791
239896 838065Rattling clean web web site , appreciate it for this post. 288567
208305 417664An fascinating dialogue is value comment. I feel that its finest to write extra on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic nonetheless usually people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers 262135
595267 55539It is difficult to get knowledgeable individuals within this subject, nevertheless, you appear to be guess what happens you are dealing with! Thanks 919840
63251 239994Constructive criticism is typically looked upon as becoming politically incorrect. 70306
140004 87148Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything in this way before. So nice to uncover somebody with some original concepts on this topic. realy appreciate starting this up. this exceptional site is something that is needed more than the internet, a person if we do originality. valuable work for bringing something new towards the web! 431412
894861 824694This design is incredible! You surely know how to maintain a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own weblog (nicely, almostHaHa!) Wonderful job. I actually loved what you had to say, and far more than that, how you presented it. Too cool! 816991
985571 399096You completed several good points there. I did specific searches on the concern and identified many folks go in conjunction with along along with your weblog. 467531