A Louisiana high school shut down hard on Tuesday after a student stabbed his classmate in the arm and then promptly instituted strict security policies “to ensure a safe learning environment for all.”
According to WBRZ, the unnamed student was arrested on charges related to the 8 a.m. stabbing. The victim was hospitalized in stable condition.
Livonia High School was locked down with armed officers patrolling until all students were sent home.
WAFB reported that the suspect was a 15-year-old who used a large folding knife to stab another 15-year-old. They were standing in line to go through a metal detector before the start of the school day.
Dana Rogers said she was “shocked” when officials called to tell her her son had been arrested but added that he was a victim of bullying by other students at the school.
“It was like five or six of them, the same guys, jumped him and stomped him and we had to take him to the hospital, and he came out with a messed up wrist and ankle,” Rogers said. “Bothering him everyday, picking at him. It went from just picking at him – to jumping on him, to taking his possessions.”
Later in the day, the school announced its new policies. including a ban on headphones, earbuds, book bags, backpacks, and cell phones. It’s not clear how electronic devices were connected with the stabbing, but the policy says that “school-issued laptops” and ABC LEAP workbooks are allowed and in fact “are required” at the school.
“Effective immediately, students are not allowed to bring cell phones to school,” the school statement said. “Effective immediately, students are strictly prohibited from bringing headphones, earbuds, or any similar listening devices to school premises. Effective immediately and until further notice, students are prohibited from bringing book bags or backpacks onto campus.”
The school said that bus arrival protocols were changing as well, saying that school buses would unload “one at a time under staff supervision,” with teacher-driven buses given priority.
“Our established checkpoint procedures will continue as usual to maintain campus security,” the school said. “We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these new guidelines to ensure a safe learning environment for all.”
Another parent, Derek Duval, told WAFB the new policies are unlikely to make a difference at the school, where several stabbings have taken place this year.
“It’s not doing nothing because if the kids aren’t getting checked until they get to the door, then anything can happen in the parking lot. Even checking them coming off the bus, I don’t believe it’s going to help,” Duvall said.
