The 17-year-old student government president and scholarship candidate was videotaped dancing at an off-campus party following Walker High School’s Sept. 30 Homecoming festivities. A hired DJ took the video and posted it on social media. Three days later, Jason St. Pierre, principal of the public high school near the state capital of Baton Rouge, told the student she would be removed from her position with the student government association and that he would no longer recommend her for college scholarships.

At a meeting in his office with the assistant principal, St. Pierre told the student she wasn’t “living in the Lord’s way,” her mother said, according to The Advocate. He printed out Bible verses with highlighted sections and “questioned who her friends were and if they followed the Lord,” the news outlet reported.

In a statement published Sunday on the Livingston Parish Public Schools district Facebook page, St. Pierre reversed course. Citing the significant public attention the episode had received and more time to consider his decision, the principal apologized to the student’s family and undid his previous disciplinary plans. He also addressed his invocation of religion.

  • Birdie
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    9 months ago

    He brought up religion; he had pre-printed some scriptures to back up his argument that she was displeasing to God and morally corrupt. Also told her she was going to suffer in her afterlife.

    She may have responded to him, but he 100% brought religion into the conversation. By phrasing it the way he did, he was trying to slough off responsibility.

    Apparently other students have come forward to say this is NOT the first time he’s used his religious beliefs to discipline.

    • Nougat@kbin.social
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      9 months ago

      Apparently other students have come forward to say this is NOT the first time he’s used his religious beliefs to discipline.

      That was also my suspicion, though I have not read anything about that. Source?