Debate Over Student Conduct Code Delays Approval in Clarke County
In a recent work session, the Clarke County School District Board of Education faced a roadblock in approving the new student conduct code. The issue stemmed from concerns over potential discrimination linked to a specific word choice in the document.
Mary Bagby, representing District 2, raised alarms regarding the term “discretion” within the code. Her apprehension was clear: “The word discretion opens the door for discrimination,” she stated. “I want it out. The law should be the law. The rules should be the rules.”
The existing code grants principals and administrators the authority to discipline students at their discretion. Bagby argued that such freedom could lead to biased decisions regarding student discipline.
However, not all board members shared Bagby’s perspective. Mark Evans voiced a differing opinion, emphasizing the need for flexibility. “If we don’t have the word discretion in there, we don’t allow our principals to deal with the human being in front of them,” Evans countered.
Due to these differing views, the board decided to remove the student code of conduct from the consent agenda to scrutinize each of the six instances where “discretion” appears. The board aims to finalize the code by the end of spring to implement it for the 2026-27 school year.
