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WALTON, Ind. (AP) — Lewis Cass Jr.-Sr. High School student athletes may have a stricter social media policy upcoming, in order to fulfill the expectation as a visible representation of the school and district.
The Southeastern School Corporation Board had a first reading on the new policy, one that was developed by Principal Shay Bonnell and Athletic Director Greg Marschand, in conjunction with Indiana High School Athletic Association regulations.
Bonnell told the Pharos-Tribune (http://bit.ly/1HFZxca ) the policy provides clarification on how a student athlete should act on social media. The policy focuses on posting photos, videos, comments or other items implying alcohol or tobacco, of sexual nature, relating to drugs or demeaning other athletes and/or coaches.
The biggest differentiation between the new student athlete policy and the social media policy for all students, Bonnell said, is the defamation of another athlete or coach, whether from Lewis Cass or not. He said any student could talk negatively about a game, but a student athlete cannot.
"What we're wanting to do is to make sure the kids make good choices in terms of being good representatives of the school," Bonnell said.
IHSAA guidelines state that student athletes shouldn't "reflect discredit" upon the school or association and also not create a "disruptive influence" in the school. Bonnell said since Lewis Cass is an IHSAA member, it must adhere to its code of conduct.
Southeastern school board President Ian Jay said the new policy creates "a clear and unambiguous set of expectations for the kids."
The policy for all students is broader in what it covers, Bonnell said, so if a student is doing something illegal or making threats that disrupts the "educational process," then the school can punish that student.
However, Bonnell said the expectations for a student athlete are high, as those students represent the school and community. He said they wanted to create a "layer of protection" and responsibility for the athletes.
"If we impress upon them the expectation that there's certain things you don't say in social media, then it kind of diffuses those situations," Bonnell said, "where once it's out on social media, everybody and their brother is going to want to make a comment, and it kind of fuels that fire."
Bonnell added that he'll also make the regular student social media policy clearer in the student handbook by adjusting anything that's needed.
Jay said the school board is planning on having a second reading on the policy at the Dec. 10 meeting, with a vote for its approval.
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Information from: Pharos-Tribune, http://www.pharostribune.com
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