Statement on Discipline Issues From Ladue Schools Administration

Statement on Discipline Issues Occurring Nov. 10, 2016 In reviewing this information, please be aware that student privacy laws specifically prohibit the district from disclosing personally identifiable student information, including disciplinary information. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible while still complying with the law.

Bus Incident The district has already shared a great deal of information about the bus incident. However, there are still some inaccuracies circulating about what happened. Both students who were disciplined served the entire assigned discipline period. Additionally, while two students were disciplined, they did not both engage in the exact same conduct. Finally, in a situation such as this, please know that removal from class is only one aspect of a consequence.

Other actions may also be taken in an effort to ensure that students learn from the incident so that it is not repeated.

Art Class Incident A student put hot glue from a hot glue gun on the arm of another student in seventh-period class, causing serious injury. This same student also spilled hot glue on the seat of the student whose arm was burned and neglected to clean it up before the student sat down.

This was not an incident between an African-American student and a white student. The incident was not reported to the teacher during that class period, but the burn was noticed by the eighth-period teacher who sent the student to the nurse.

On Friday morning, Nov. 11, 2016, an Assistant Principal investigated the incident, including speaking with the students involved, a witness, and the teacher. The Assistant Principal consulted with the high school principal to determine the appropriate disciplinary consequences.

The mother of the student who was burned met with an administrator and the art teacher about the incident on Friday morning. Mid-morning, the mother of the student also talked with the Assistant Principal about the incident by telephone, and a referral to law enforcement was discussed. On Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, the district’s Student Resource Officer notified the Assistant Principal that charges had been filed and the Assistant Principal spoke with the City of Ladue police.

There have been truly painful experiences for parents, students and educators in the Ladue School District. We are committed to moving forward in ways that will promote healing and mutual understanding. The racial tensions in our community and nation were created over years and will not be resolved over night. However, a number of individuals and organizations have come forward with offers of assistance and we are willing and ready to embrace these offers and create an environment where all students, and all parents, feel valued and welcome in our schools.