School is now back in session in Nashville, Tennessee, and there are some new rules in place that apply not only to students and staff, but also to parents and other visitors. The school district has implemented a code of conduct that everyone must follow.
A new law, sponsored by Representative Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis), requires school boards to implement a code of conduct for parents and other visitors to school campuses. This bipartisan proposal was passed during the last legislative session and has been in effect since the 2024-2025 school year.
“Our students and the staff at the schools and everyone that works in the schools, they have their expected code of conduct that’s given to them either when they’re hired or when the children come into the classrooms, but no one has ever laid out what those rules should look like for those people that are visiting our campuses,” Rep. Parkinson said.
Parkinson conceived the notion of mandating school boards to establish a visitor code of conduct due to numerous reports from school leaders and staff regarding the inappropriate behavior of parents, siblings, vendors, and other guests within schools throughout the state.
According to Parkinson, there used to be various disruptions and distractions on the campus. People would often enter the office and engage in arguments with principals and teachers, even threatening fights. This kind of behavior was causing unnecessary tension. The aim of the legislation was to reduce the intensity of such incidents and create a more peaceful environment.
Schools in Tennessee have complied with the legal requirement by developing and publishing their own visitor code of conduct on their district’s website.
Districts, such as Rutherford County Schools and Cheatham County Schools, have established comprehensive codes of conduct that prohibit various types of behavior. These include cursing and the use of obscenities, acts that disrupt or threaten to disrupt school or office operations, and engaging in unsafe behaviors that could jeopardize the health and safety of others.
Claiborne County Schools have established a set of guidelines in their visitor code of conduct, explicitly forbidding any form of gambling and discouraging individuals from promoting gambling activities. Furthermore, the code also prohibits the use of audio or video recording in areas where privacy is expected, such as classrooms and locker rooms.
Cumberland County Schools has implemented a ban on visitors who misuse social media to incite campaigns and complaints against schools, school staff, and other parents and students through social networking platforms and websites. This policy is outlined in the district’s visitor code of conduct.
It is important to note that not all rules listed on districts’ visitor codes of conduct may be explicitly stated. Parkinson emphasized that it cannot be assumed that individuals have been educated on appropriate conduct when visiting school campuses.
According to Parkinson, it is regrettable, but it is crucial to clearly outline the requirements and expected conduct and behavior when individuals enter school campuses.
School districts are mandated by law to make the visitor code of conduct readily accessible online. Additionally, copies of the code must be distributed to school staff and parents. Moreover, a physical copy of the code, along with the contact information of a school administrator who can address any queries related to it, must be prominently displayed at the school premises. Prior to implementation, the code of conduct must undergo a thorough legal and constitutional review by an attorney.
