In a move aimed at enhancing student safety, the Guthrie Board of Education has adopted a new policy restricting direct one-on-one communication between teachers, coaches, and students. This decision, made at a special board meeting last week, aligns with a new state law set to take effect on July 1.
Under this new legislation, teachers, coaches, and other school personnel across Oklahoma are prohibited from contacting students individually through phones, email, or social media without including the parents or guardians in the message. The intent is to prevent inappropriate messaging and relationships between educators and students.
Messages can still be sent through school-approved platforms and must be related to school and academics. Communication is allowed in groups, classes, or teams, ensuring that no single student is isolated in digital conversations with school personnel.
Exceptions to this rule are allowed in cases of emergencies, but subsequent notification to the parent or guardian is required. The law emphasizes the use of school-approved platforms, systems, or applications that enable the automatic inclusion of parents or guardians in communications with students.
Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle, authored the bill, which was signed into law by the governor. Rep. Conley highlighted the necessity of this legislation, stating, “There have been absolutely too many reports of inappropriate digital communications shared between educators and students, whether that be inappropriate pictures or texts of a sexual nature.”
Any school personnel found violating this new act will face immediate administrative leave while the school district conducts an investigation and notifies local and state boards of education. If the investigation reveals no misconduct, the employee will be reinstated, though the incident will be recorded in their file. Conversely, if misconduct is found, the individual’s employment will be terminated, and the matter will be reported to law enforcement as per state statute.
This policy marks a significant step in protecting students and maintaining professional boundaries in educational settings across Oklahoma.
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