Policies & Procedures

Guidelines for Use of the Internet

Statement of Purpose

The Internet is a vast global computer network that provides access to major universities around the world, government agencies, other school systems, and commercial providers of data banks. The purpose of this document is to set guidelines for exploring and using Internet resources to enhance learning and teaching activities. Acceptable use of these resources shall be consistent with the philosophy, goals and objectives of the Lafayette Parish School System.

Exploration of the Internet is encouraged, but with rights and privileges come responsibility. Any user of the network that adversely affects its operation in pursuit of teaching and learning or jeopardizes its use or performance for other community members is prohibited and may result in loss of network privileges.

User Responsibilities

Users may take responsibility for their actions and words.

1. Users are reminded that they are representatives of their respective schools and the Lafayette Parish School System. They must conduct themselves in accordance with the policies thereof.
2. Use language that is appropriate for school situations.
3. Avoid offensive or inflammatory speech.
4. Access only materials appropriate for fulfilling school assignments. Users are cautioned that there may be materials on the Internet that may be deemed inappropriate for young people, and access to this type of material for any reason is unacceptable.
5. Adhere to copyright rules and licensing agreements when accessing materials.
6. Import files from only known reputable sources to reduce the risk of spreading computer viruses.
7. Impersonation and anonymity are prohibited.
8. Any use of the Internet for personal profit or any illegal activities is prohibited.

User Rights

Users of the Internet have certain rights of which all users should be aware.

1. Computer files may be monitored by the system administrator or teacher for compliance with this policy.
2. Users should have equal access to the Internet, relative to educational goals. All users should be aware of the needs of others and to use the network in ways what would not disrupt the use by others. This includes use of a computer time and supplies.
3. Users should be safe from unwanted or harrassing messages. Such communication may be brought to the attention of the teacher or an administrator, who should seek to remedy the situation.
4. Any effort to disrupt Internet services or computer systems by spreading computer viruses, vandalism, unauthorized entry, or destruction of computer files can result in criminal prosecution under state and federal laws.

Internet Access Tools

• Electronic mail (E-mail) is mail sent through electronic, non-paper methods. A computer stores the messages until the receiver accesses the system and reads them.
• File transfer protocol (FTP) enables the transfer of files between computers.
• Gopher and Turbo gopher give access to a menu based index at various locations on the Internet via a point-and-click interface. 
• Mosaic and Netscape provide graphical interface to the Internet that allow images, sound and movies to be played and text files to be accessed.
• Telnet allows one computer to log into and control a remote computer.  It is used to search libraries and databases.

Remedies and Recourse

Violations of this acceptable use policy by students could result in supsension or recommended expulsion on a case-by-case basis. Inappropriate use that is not promptly remedied may result in termination of network privileges. Any non-acceptable use of a criminal nature will be referred to proper authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.

TEACHER BILL OF RIGHTS (LSA—R.S. 17:416.18)

Respecting the authority of teachers is essential to creating an environment conducive to learning, effective instruction in the classroom, and proper administration of city, parish and other local public schools. To maintain and protect that authority, it is important that teachers, administrators, parents and students are fully informed of the various rights conferred upon teachers. Those rights, the Teacher Bill of Rights, are established as follows:

1. A teacher has the right to teach free from fear of frivolous lawsuits, including the right to qualified immunity and to a legal defense, and to indemnification by the employing school board, pursuant to R.S. 17:416.1(C), 416.4, 416.5 and 416.11, for actions taken in the performance of duties of the teacher’s employment.
2. A teacher has the right to appropriately discipline students in accordance with R.S. 17:223 and through 416.6 and any city, parish, or other local public school board regulation.       
3. A teacher has the right to remove any persistently disruptive student from his classroom when the student’s behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other students or when the student displays impudent or defiant behavior and to place the student in the custody of the principal or his designee pursuant to R.S. 17:416(A)(1)(c).
4. A teacher has the right to have his or her professional judgment and discretion respected by school and district administrators in any disciplinary action taken by the teacher in accordance with school and district policy and with R.S. 17:416(A)(1)(c).
5. A teacher has the right to teach in a safe, secure, and orderly environment that is conducive to learning and free from recognized dangers or hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury in accordance with R.S. 17:416.9 and 416.6.
6. A teacher has the right to be treated with civility and respect as provided in R.S. 17:416.12.
7. A teacher has the right to communicate with and to request the participation of parents in appropriate student disciplinary decisions pursuant to R.S. 17:235.1 and 416(A).
8. A teacher has the right to be free from excessively burdensome disciplinary paperwork.
9. A beginning teacher has the right to receive leadership and support in accordance with R.S. 17:3881, including the assignment of a qualified, experienced mentor who commits to helping him become a competent, confident professional in the classroom and offers support and assistance as needed to meet performance standards and professional expectations.

*No city, parish or other local public school board shall establish policies that prevent teachers from exercising the rights provided herein. The provisions of the Teacher Bill of Rights shall not be construed to supersede any other state law, BESE Policy, or city, parish or other local public school board policy enacted or adopted relative to the discipline of students.

Title IX
 

How to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights

Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure

OCR Webinar on Due Process Protections under the New Title IX Regulations

OCR Webinar on New Title IX Protections Against Sexual Assault

Title IX Regulations - What You Need to Know!

Title IX Workshop

Title IX Coordinator

Lisa Duhon
113 Chaplin Dr
Lafayette, LA  70508
llduhon@lpssonline.com
337-521-7157

Click here Board Policies

Click Here for Guidelines

Click Here for Processes