The policy, which dates at least to 2006, covers the approximately 700 students who are accepted into the state-funded Delhi Charter School in Delhi, La.
\”There have never been any complaints from students or parents about the school policy,\” Chris Broussard, the school\’s teacher-director for grades 6-12, told TODAY.com. \”However, in light of the recent inquiry, the current policy has been forwarded to the law firm of Davenport, Files & Kelly … to ensure that necessary revisions are made so that our school is in full compliance with constitutional law.\”
The law firm did not return a call to TODAY.com.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana sent the school a letter on Monday, saying that the policy violates federal law and the U.S. Constitution, and threatening legal action if it is not revised immediately.
\”The policy discriminates against female students not just for being pregnant but even for the possibility that they might be pregnant, and treats them as though pregnancy was some kind of contagious disease by telling them they can\’t stay in school,\” Marjorie Esman, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, told TODAY.com. \”That is a gross violation of the law and their right to have an education.\”
Image: Pregnancy test, via Shutterstock
