A series by Louisiana for Children’s Rights, in partnership with The Lens, that elevates the voices and experiences of Black youth currently or formerly detained in the Orleans Parish juvenile jail
Though Louisiana legislators again introduced the "Medical Freedom Act," which prohibits vaccine requirements, the version that made it through the Louisiana House was amended so that it did not apply to schools or daycares. There is widespread bipartisan support for school vaccine protocols - and here's why, says the writer, the co-director of Louisiana Families for Vaccines.
As we learned from Katrina, when government decisions destabilize families and communities, the psychological impact on children is profound and lasting.
The writers, an educator and a parent who works as an advocate within schools, contend that the state takeover removed Black teachers who provided continuity and did not improve academic outcomes for Black students who too often changed schools frequently.
If parents notice their child struggling academically or facing more discipline in school, it may be time for a special education evaluation. Roughly 15% of students in Louisiana have special education plans.
Williams presented data on what she called “eligibility schools,” or the handful of New Orleans public schools with some type of eligibility requirement. She identified 10 schools, four with academic requirements and six with a language requirement.
NOCP CEO J’Vann Martin said the board directed the center’s staff to report directly to them and has implemented “strict financial controls” and will help ensure the center has back-office support from NOCP or a third-party business vendor.
