Increase in negative behaviors at Fayette school events leads to additional safety measures
New safety measures are coming to Fayette County school district extracurricular events following an increase in negative behaviors, district leadership said in a letter to families Thursday.
The new measures go into effect Friday. The behaviors include profanity towards adults or students in attendance, smoking or vaping on the property (all FCPS properties are tobacco and smoke-free), fighting and disorderly conduct.
The new measures are:
- Enhanced game management protocols to separate spectators, with designated areas for students and visitors. Non-compliance may lead to removal and a ban on attending events for the remainder of the year.
- All elementary and middle school students must have an adult chaperone. High school students not enrolled at the competing schools must also be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Student ID badges may be requested for entry.
- Smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited on any school property. Offenders will be removed from the competition if they violate this policy.
- Empowering student voices through awareness and education on safety at each of our schools and programs.
The changes aim to address current concerns, prioritize safety and leverage relationships with students, the letter said.
“Many of our students have stated they want us to increase our safety measures. These changes are meant to support our students’ voices to help them feel safe and enjoy themselves during extracurricular events,” said the letter.
The current rules include:
- Increased administration and FCPS police presence at events
- Select high school football games may start earlier or be moved to Saturday afternoons
- No backpacks or outside food and drinks
- Denial of re-entry into games
- No unaccompanied elementary/middle school students at events
- One-year ban for students/spectators removed due to behavior.
District spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith said she did not have an additional comment.
This story was originally published September 22, 2023 at 11:15 AM.