The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) has issued a statement following widespread outrage over an incident involving a 4-year-old student at Evangeline Elementary School who was left outside without a jacket during near-freezing temperatures.
According to LPSS, the child’s hooded jacket was deemed noncompliant with the district’s dress code policy and was held in the school office. While students remained inside the building during the school day, the jacket was not returned to the child before dismissal. The school has since apologized to the parent and made adjustments to prevent similar situations.
In its statement, LPSS emphasized changes already in place. Moving forward, students waiting for pick-up will remain in the cafeteria, ensuring they are not exposed to cold weather. Additionally, the district has directed all elementary principals to take proactive steps to avoid future occurrences. Teachers will remind students that hooded garments are prohibited under the dress code, and parents will be notified immediately of any violations so they can address the issue…