The Ka’Mauri Harrison Act is close to final passage after clearing the Senate Education Committee. Ka’Mauri’s father, Nyron Harrison, appeared before the panel and told lawmakers about how the Jefferson Parish School Board threatened to expel his son for moving a BB gun in his bedroom during an online class. Another parent, Tim Brown, also testified and discussed how his son suffered a similar fate.
“I was called down to the school, was told how great my son was, he’s an honor student, never been in trouble in his life, and she slid a piece of paper across the table and she had recommended him for expulsion,” said Brown.
Brown says his sixth-grade son showed a BB gun to his friends during a virtual lesson and ended up receiving a three-day suspension.
The bill would create an appeals process for students that exists outside of school systems for certain disciplinary actions and requires all school systems to develop and implement a specific COVID-pandemic online education policy.
Jefferson Parish School System representatives were in attendance this time. Attorney Fred Preis explained why Harrison and Brown were disciplined, and Education Chairman Cleo Fields took issue with the reasoning.
“Right now the home is considered on camera as part of the school system,” said Preis. Fields, in a different exchange, sounded taken aback with that explanation “You cannot take the position that the same rules should apply in a person’s home that would happen on school property.”
Jefferson Parish Schools Legislative Liaison Jennifer Ansardi opposed a part of the bill that would make it retroactive to the beginning of the pandemic. She says several school system members are already being sued for this incident.
“Please do not penalize those that were operating with boards and policies and procedures in place,” said Ansardi. “We are not trying to hurt any student we are just trying to keep everyone safe.”
Preis reiterated that concern and pushed back on a request from River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot that Harrison and Brown’s records be cleared. Preis says neither child’s long-term academic future will be impacted, a comment that set Talbot off.
“Y’all want him (Brown) to sign about probation for 180 days, that could have an impact on him,” said Talbot who appeared agitated as Preis argued that the disciplinary record was nothing that could be considered in court.
Talbot ended with a message to Jefferson Parish School officials, “You want my guidance? Wipe the slates clean for both of these kids, we all made mistakes during this pandemic, and move on.”
The House-approved bill heads to the Senate floor.
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