During a recent Tangipahoa Parish School System meeting, a heated discussion emerged regarding the consequences for students caught with vaping devices. The debate centered on the strictness of current policies, particularly how they treat students found with vapes that do not contain nicotine or THC.

One board member questioned the rationale behind imposing severe penalties, suggesting that students should have options for consequences, such as attending school for a day or two instead of facing immediate alternative school placement. "Why are we even giving them extra consequences?" they asked, highlighting the complexity of vaping regulations and the legality of possession for minors.

The conversation revealed a divide among board members about the need for stringent rules. Some argued that maintaining strict policies is essential to uphold school discipline, while others expressed concern that overly harsh measures might not be appropriate for all situations. "If we’re not stringent enough, they just stretch it," one member stated, emphasizing the importance of consistent enforcement of rules.

Additionally, the meeting touched on procedural matters, such as the handling of disciplinary hearings for students who miss their scheduled appeals. Board members agreed that while it’s crucial to uphold policies, there should be flexibility for families facing legitimate issues that prevent attendance.

The discussion also raised questions about the consequences for students who transfer schools and continue to face disciplinary issues. Board members pondered whether these students should return to their home zoned school after repeated infractions, indicating a need for clearer guidelines in the policy.

As the board continues to refine its approach to vaping and student discipline, the implications of these discussions could lead to significant changes in how the school system addresses these issues moving forward.