MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representatives Woods, Eakes, Flaggs, Frierson, Holland, Jennings

AN ACT TO REQUIRE PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH FIFTH GRADE TO ADDRESS SCHOOL EMPLOYEES WITH APPROPRIATE TITLES OF RESPECT; TO REQUIRE THE POLICY TO BE PHASED IN FOR ALL OTHER GRADES BY THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR; TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO INCORPORATE THE POLICY IN THEIR DISCIPLINE PLANS AND CODES OF STUDENT CONDUCT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) Beginning with the 2000-2001 school year, local school boards shall require all students in public school in kindergarten through fifth grade to exhibit appropriate conduct as required under Subsection (2) of this section.

(2) When any public school student is speaking with any public school employee while on school property or at a school related activity or event, the student shall address and respond to the school employee by using the respectful terms "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Ma'am" or "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir," as appropriate, or "Yes, Miss, Mrs., or Ms. (Surname)" and "No, Miss, Mrs., or Ms. (Surname)" or "Yes, Mr. (Surname)" and "No, Mr. (Surname)," as appropriate, each such title to be followed by the appropriate surname.

(3) Each school board shall provide for the incorporation of the requirements of this section into the school district's discipline plan and code of student conduct.

(4) Each school board shall take or provide for such appropriate actions necessary to discipline any student who fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (2) of this section. However, no school board may provide suspension or expulsion from school as an appropriate punishment for a violation of this section.

(5) Beginning with the 2001-2002 school year, subsection (2) of this section also shall apply to public school students in Grade 6. Beginning with the 2002-2003 school year, subsection (2) of this section also shall apply to public school students in Grade 7. Beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, subsection (2) of this section also shall apply to public school students in Grade 8. Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, subsection (2) of this section also shall apply to public school students in Grade 9. Beginning with 2005-2006 school year, subsection (2) of this section also shall apply to public school students in Grade 10. Beginning with the 2006-2007 school year, subsection (2) of this section also shall apply to public school students in Grade 11. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, subsection 2 of this section also shall apply to public school students in Grade 12.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.