LPSS Responds to Evangeline Elementary Jacket Incident

The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) has issued a statement following widespread outrage over an incident involving a 4-year-old student at Evangeline Elementary School who was left outside without a jacket during near-freezing temperatures.

According to LPSS, the child’s hooded jacket was deemed noncompliant with the district’s dress code policy and was held in the school office. While students remained inside the building during the school day, the jacket was not returned to the child before dismissal. The school has since apologized to the parent and made adjustments to prevent similar situations.

In its statement, LPSS emphasized changes already in place. Moving forward, students waiting for pick-up will remain in the cafeteria, ensuring they are not exposed to cold weather. Additionally, the district has directed all elementary principals to take proactive steps to avoid future occurrences. Teachers will remind students that hooded garments are prohibited under the dress code, and parents will be notified immediately of any violations so they can address the issue.

The statement also clarified that students wearing hooded jackets will be required to remove them while inside the school building.

LPSS reiterated that the dress code policy is outlined on page 26 of the 2025-26 Student/Parent Handbook. "We appreciate your understanding as we continue to prioritize adherence to policies and the smooth operation of our schools," the statement read.

Kerra Wilson, the parent involved in the incident, previously shared her frustration over how the situation was handled, noting that her son was left outside without a jacket at dismissal despite the cold temperatures. She also confirmed that LPSS’s Chief of Elementary Schools, Ginger Richard, reached out to her personally to apologize and acknowledge that the situation was not handled properly.

While the incident has sparked heated discussion among parents and community members, with many continuing to question whether the strict enforcement of the dress code outweighs the need to ensure children’s safety and comfort in extreme weather.