Eanes ISD voted to adopt the student code of conduct for the 2019-20 school year, including numerous revisions, during an Aug. 13 meeting. The updated code includes changes to the disciplinary management and safety policies of the district.

The code states that any student who receives special education services cannot be disciplined for bullying, cyberbullying, harassment or making hit lists until an official admission, review and dismissal meeting.

Disciplinary action will be reviewed by the district, and the student’s disability will be considered within the decision-making process.

“The district shall take into consideration a disability that substantially impairs the student’s capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the student’s conduct,” the code states.

A student’s status in foster care or the Department of Child Protective Services or a student’s status as homeless will be taken into consideration when conducting disciplinary action.

The updated code outlines the prohibited discipline techniques within the district, which include any technique that intentionally inflicts physical or emotional discomfort or pain.

Safety precautions

The student code of conduct permits district officials to conduct searches of students and their belongings. Searches will be conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner and are in accordance with state and federal law.

According to the code, desks, lockers, district-provided technology and district property are all subject to be searched or inspected. The district is not required to provide any notice.

The code also assigned necessary law-enforcement duties to the district’s various school resource officers. The board of trustees entered into a memorandum of understanding with local law enforcement in order to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Updated duties include the authority to investigate criminal, safety and security matters, preventing and reducing incidents of school violence, and protecting district property.

Hemp was added to the district’s list of prohibited items. Consumable hemp products including oils, lotions, vape pens or other cannabidiol products are prohibited without a prescription. Students who use or distribute these items are subject to disciplinary action.

The student code of conduct passed unanimously without discussion.