In Massachusetts, educators are implementing a series of new policies to combat the growing epidemic of teen vaping. Some school officials are educating the community via social media. Others deploy more staff members in the halls during and in between each class period. One school requires students to sign in and out to use bathrooms. Another school is procuring devices to help determine whether the substance in a vape cartridge is liquid nicotine or THC. Another is instituting a zero tolerance standard of suspensions up to 180 days.
In Lousiana, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has launched the StudentProtect app, a free smartphone app that allows parents, students and school faculty members to quickly connect with law enforcement. The app allows users to anonymously submit tips to the school resource officer team about threats, bullying, and suspicious activity.
In Texas, the Governor released the Texas School Safety Update Report on the progress made to keep students and teachers safe at school. Highlighting the Report was the passage of Senate Bill 2432, which requires a student to be removed from the classroom and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program if the student engages in conduct that contains elements of harassment. This law protects teachers and students in the classroom and prevents the need to suspend the class and clear out the classroom.
In Arkansas, the Bryant Police Department will spend $78,000 to buy 33 body cameras. All traffic units, school resource officers and patrol officers will wear the body cameras at all times. A few extras will be available as needed for school administrators.