MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Senator(s) Nunnelee

AN ACT TO REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS TO INFORM STUDENTS OF THE UNLAWFULNESS OF CERTAIN CONDUCT DISCUSSED IN CLASS; TO PROHIBIT TEACHERS FROM ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN UNLAWFUL CONDUCT; TO AUTHORIZE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS TO DISCIPLINE TEACHERS VIOLATING THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) Whenever there is any discussion in any public school class or assembly of conduct that is unlawful under the laws of the State of Mississippi, the teacher or school employee facilitating the discussion shall inform the students that the conduct being discussed is unlawful. No teacher or other school employee shall facilitate a classroom or assembly discussion of unlawful conduct in any manner that may encourage students to participate in such unlawful conduct.

(2) If any teacher or other school employee is determined to have violated this section, the local school board, in its discretion, may take appropriate disciplinary action against the teacher or school employee. A violation of this section, in the discretion of the school board, may constitute good cause for the dismissal or suspension of a teacher or other licensed employee under Section 37-9-59.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.