Title 17. Education

Chapter 1. General School Law

Part III. Public Schools and School Children

Subpart C. School Attendance

17:221.7        Dropout prevention and recovery for expectant and parenting students

A. The Louisiana Legislature recognizes the need to ensure that all students graduate from high school, despite the many challenges they may face. The legislature acknowledges that pregnancy is consistently the most common family-related reason given by female students who drop out of high school. Further, the legislature finds that federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects the rights of expectant and parenting students, and encompassed in that protection is the right to a safe and supportive school environment that promotes high school graduation. 

B. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 establishes basic legal obligations of any educational program receiving federal assistance. 

C. (1) Each governing authority of a public secondary school receiving federal financial assistance shall adopt a policy that complies with the requirements of federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 

(2) In addition to the basic legal obligations under federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the following key provisions shall be included in a school governing authority’s policy regarding expectant and parenting students: 

(a) Maintaining student confidentiality. 

(b) Ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. 

(c) Promoting academic success. 

(d) Implementing sensible attendance policies. 

(3) Such policy shall be readily available to the public by posting on the website of the school or school governing authority, or by other appropriate means. 

(4) The state Department of Education shall submit a written report to the Senate and House committees on education and health and welfare at least sixty days before the 2017 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature which shall include a summary of the aggregate data related to the graduation rate of expectant and parenting students, and any recommendations for changes in policy or legislation. However, in no case shall personally identifiable student information be reported. 

Added by Acts 2016, No. 523, § 1.