Education and School Law
The attorneys of Blackwell & Bullman, LLC proudly represent educators, including teachers and other school employees, when they are experiencing employment-related problems. Blackwell & Bullman, LLC will represent all types of educators – from pre-kindergarten to university levels.
If you are facing disciplinary action or termination, you may have rights and protections under your contract, or under state or federal law. We will thoroughly review your situation with you, and advise you of your rights. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you find yourself in a situation in which you believe your rights may be violated.
If you are an educator in a Louisiana public school district, a Charter School, or in a public institution of higher education, we often represent Louisiana Association of Educators members whom the association refers to us.
The following laws are important for educators to be aware of concerning their rights. If you feel that your rights have been violated in one of these areas, contact our office immediately.
- Banning Persons from School Property
Educators have the right to ask the school district to ban a parent from coming to school if they create disturbances at school, use profanity in front of students, or make threats of physical harm to you or a student. Parents who ignore school district orders to stay away can be arrested and face criminal prosecution.
- Child Abuse and Neglect
Educators have the responsibility to contact child abuse authorities if they have cause to believe a student has been abused or neglected. If they fail to make a report, they could face criminal prosecution! Contact Blackwell & Bullman, LLC for information on how to go about reporting suspicion of abuse and what an educator's rights and responsibilities are.
- Grade Changes Law
This law states that educators have rights if an administrator, principal, or others directly or indirectly attempt to influence or alter the grade that is assigned to a student.
- Interaction with Students Law
This law, passed in 2008, places limits on students and teachers being alone in a room together. Familiarize yourself with this law to make sure you don’t get placed in a compromising position.
- Parent Conference Leave Law
Employers must grant leave to employees to participate in certain educational conferences or classroom activities.
- Planning Time Law
This law states that educators have the right to duty-free planning time each day.
- Reporting Criminal Offenses Law
This law covers the rights and responsibilities of educators who wish to press criminal charges against a student. Many times school administrators discourage this process, so educational professionals should make themselves aware of this law.
- Safety Crisis Plans Law
This law requires all Louisiana school districts to establish comprehensive safety plans in schools. Educators should be trained in their schools’ crisis plans.
- Safety Duty Law
This law states those school boards are required to furnish educators with a place of employment that is "free from recognized dangers or hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury or death."
- Social Networking
Educators who communicate by blogging, texting or using Facebook should beware of the ramifications of various actions.
- Teacher Bill of Rights
Teachers in Louisiana public schools are protected by a Bill of Rights and should educate themselves on the contents of the bill.
- Visitor Authorization Law
This law allows public school districts to establish policies governing visitors entering school property.
- Whistleblower Law
This law provides the procedure of how educators must make a report concerning acts of impropriety in the school district in order to be free from reprisal.