Everyone Has Rights in Our Schools

In Zachary Community Schools, we believe that strong schools are built on strong relationships—between teachers, students, and families. One way we build those relationships is by making sure everyone knows their rights and understands how they support a safe, respectful learning environment.

From classroom safety to open communication, Louisiana law gives teachers and parents specific rights that support their role in education. Students also have important rights—some written into state law, others reflected in our district’s policies and practices.

Below is a simple guide to the rights of teachers, parents, and students in our schools.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Bill of Rights

Louisiana Revised Statute 17:416.18

Louisiana law outlines ten key rights for teachers in public schools. These rights are designed to support professional judgment, classroom safety, and fair treatment:

1. Legal Protection – Teachers are protected from frivolous lawsuits and entitled to legal defense and indemnification by the school board for actions taken as part of their duties.

   
   

2. Disciplinary Authority – Teachers may take appropriate disciplinary action in line with district and state policy.

   
   

3. Classroom Removal Rights – Teachers may remove persistently disruptive students whose behavior interferes with teaching.

   
   

4. Respect for Professional Judgment – Teachers’ professional discretion must be respected when managing classrooms in accordance with policy.

   
   

5. Safe Working Environment – Teachers are entitled to a safe, secure, and orderly classroom and school environment.

   
   

6. Respectful Treatment – Teachers must be treated with civility and respect by students, parents, and staff.

   
   

7. Parental Communication Support – Teachers may involve parents in matters of student discipline and receive administrative support in doing so.

   
   

8. Reasonable Paperwork – Teachers should not be required to complete paperwork that is excessive or unrelated to legal requirements.

   
   

9. Mentorship for New Teachers – First-year teachers have the right to receive support, including guidance from a qualified mentor.

   
   

10. Time for Collaboration – Teachers are entitled to time during the workday or workweek to collaborate with colleagues.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Bill of Rights

Louisiana Revised Statute 17:406.9

The state of Louisiana has established a list of rights to ensure that parents remain fully informed and involved in their child’s education. These rights include:

1. The Right to Examine Instructional Materials – Parents may review textbooks, curriculum, and other classroom resources.

   
   

2. The Right to Access Student Records – Parents may inspect and request copies of academic, health, discipline, and counseling records.

   
   

3. The Right to Be Notified About Medical Services – Parents must be informed before medical services are offered to their child, unless the situation is an emergency.

   
   

4. The Right to Be Informed About Legal or Safety Incidents – Parents must be notified if:

   • Their child is involved in a criminal incident

   • Law enforcement questions their child (unless the parent is suspected of abuse or neglect)

   • Their child is removed from campus without prior permission

     
     

5. The Right to Protection from Discrimination – Schools may not discriminate against a child based on the sincerely held religious beliefs of their family.

   
   

6. The Right to Opt-Out of Certain Instruction or Surveys – Parents may choose to opt their child out of:

   • Surveys that ask about sexual activity, family beliefs, mental health, religion, or political views

   • Instruction related to sexual topics

     
     

7. The Right to Academic Notification – Parents must be alerted if their child is at risk of being held back and offered a chance to meet with the teacher and principal to create a support plan.

   
   

8. The Right to Receive the School Calendar – Parents must receive the annual school calendar at least 30 days before the start of school and be informed of any changes in writing.

🧑‍🎓 Student Rights in Zachary Community Schools

As described in the Zachary Community Schools Student Handbook

While not listed in a formal bill, students in our district have the following rights, drawn from various policies and procedures:

1. The Right to Learn in a Safe Environment Every student has the right to attend a school free from threats, bullying, violence, or discrimination.

   
   

2. The Right to Be Treated with RespectAll students are entitled to fair and respectful treatment by peers and school staff, regardless of their race, religion, gender, background, or ability.

   
   

3. The Right to Be Heard in Disciplinary MattersStudents must be told why they are being disciplined and given a chance to explain their side before punishment is given.

   
   

4. The Right to Privacy of RecordsStudents’ educational records are protected and cannot be shared without permission, except when required by law.

   
   

5. The Right to Equal AccessStudents have the right to participate fully in school programs, including academic offerings and extracurricular activities.

   
   

6. The Right to Support ServicesStudents with disabilities or other learning needs have a right to accommodations and services to help them succeed, as outlined in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan.

   
   

7. The Right to Know the Rules Students have the right to know what behavior is expected and what the consequences will be if those expectations are not met.

   
   

8. The Right to Receive an EducationStudents have the right to attend school and receive a public education, unless removed for disciplinary reasons in accordance with law.

   
   

Student rights can be found throughout the Zachary Community Schools Student Handbook, available on the district website or at your child’s school.