In 2001, Louisiana lawmakers passed Revised Statute 17:416:17, requiring schools under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education to adopt written policies to prohibit bullying. This action was in response to assaults, particularly at Columbine (Colo.) High School, in which students acted in violent ways after possibly being victims of bullying. But the law gave educators little ability to gauge its success and created several loopholes, including exemptions from the law for six parishes. Whether the 2001 anti-bullying law went far enough is still being debated.
Louisiana parents continue to push for additional protections for their children against harassing and intimidating behavior, particularly regarding race, religion, sexual orientation and disability. While school districts may decide how to approach the topic, Louisiana state lawmakers also have considered amendments to RS 17:416:17 requiring the DOE to firm up language banning aggressive or offensive written, verbal or physical acts or gestures.
Louisiana schools continue to move forward on improving overall safety conditions on primary and secondary campuses, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 17:286, which allows for violence prevention and improvement of students' self-esteem. School shootings in other states and security weaknesses in general have led to constant evaluation of practices. The DOE's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools administers grants and oversees programs to improve conditions for students, whether to eliminate drugs and alcohol on school grounds or create response plans for safe evacuation during emergencies.
The Louisiana DOE's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has adopted safety manuals specific to vocational or technical instruction. Louisiana Revised Statute 17:6(A)(10) gives the board vast authority to adopt such policies in the interest of conducting good business practices. The board-approved Title 28 Part CXXXIII sets guidelines similar to the rules businesses must abide by to be compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The rules require Louisiana public school districts and teachers observe standards for personal protection, air quality management and hazardous waste disposal.