Louisiana School Principal Offers Apology to Student Penalized for Dancing at a Private Gathering

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 10, 10:44 am

A recent incident at Walker High School in Louisiana has stirred controversy and led to broader discussions about the role of educators in students' personal lives, especially in the digital age. Jason St. Pierre, the school's principal, publicly apologized after reprimanding a student for a video of her dancing at an off-campus party. What's more, he questioned her religious beliefs in relation to her actions.

The story began when a 17-year-old student, who also serves as the student government president at Walker High School, attended an after-party for the school's Homecoming event on September 30. A DJ hired for the celebration recorded a video of the students dancing and later posted it on social media platforms.

Principal's Reaction: Discipline and Religion

When Principal St. Pierre came across the video, he took immediate action. He informed the student that due to her actions in the video, she would no longer hold her position in the student government and also expressed his intention to withdraw his recommendation for her college scholarships.

In a subsequent meeting, which also included the presence of the assistant principal, the situation took a more personal turn. St. Pierre, referencing printed and highlighted Bible verses, implied that the student's actions were not in accordance with religious values. Furthermore, he proceeded to question the religious integrity of her friends, as recounted by the student's mother in an interview with The Advocate.

However, as news of this incident spread and drew increasing public attention, St. Pierre seemed to have had a change of heart. In a public statement released on Livingston Parish Public Schools' official Facebook page, he extended an apology for his actions. He emphasized that while his conversation about religious beliefs was initiated with good intentions, it was not his place to judge or determine a student's religious stance.

The Future for Principal St. Pierre

In his words, "While that conversation was meant with the best intentions, I do understand it is not my responsibility to determine what students' or others' religious beliefs may be-that should be the responsibility of the individual."

The student and her mother, while acknowledging the apology, contested St. Pierre's account, stating that it was indeed the principal who introduced the topic of religion.

Furthermore, they expressed concerns regarding the timeliness of St. Pierre's corrective measures. With the scholarship application deadline looming on October 3, they were left wondering if St. Pierre's reversal of his initial disciplinary actions came soon enough to make a difference.

In a subsequent development, following the public outcry and internal discussions, district officials have confirmed that St. Pierre has formally expressed his intention to take a leave of absence for the entire academic year. Elaborating on the matter, Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Joe Murphy mentioned, "The district office is awaiting his paperwork to process his request."

This incident at Walker High School serves as a significant reminder of the complexities educators face in today's interconnected world, where the lines between personal and public, and right and wrong, can often blur.