Lafayette Parish, LA (December 17, 2025) – Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is strengthening efforts to address vaping on middle and high school campuses as part of its commitment to student safety and well-being.
Beginning January 6, safety supervisors and LPSS staff will conduct random classroom screenings using existing weapons detection systems with adjusted sensitivity to identify vaping devices, which are prohibited on school campuses. Students’ personal effects may be searched. Students found in possession of a vape will face disciplinary consequences according to district policy.
Why this matters:
Vaping devices are illegal for minors, and CDC research shows nicotine use during adolescence can interfere with brain development, learning, and attention. While overall teen vaping rates have declined, a quarter of the youth in the United States who vape report frequent or daily use, raising health concerns.
Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. said the focus is on prevention, not punishment.
“Student safety includes physical health,” Touchet said. “When something threatens students’ well-being, we have a responsibility to respond so they can stay healthy, focused, and ready to learn.”
He added that clear expectations are essential.
“Vaping devices do not belong on our campuses. Setting firm boundaries helps create a safe learning environment for everyone.”
These efforts build on safety measures already in place across LPSS campuses, including weapons detection systems, double-entry into schools, school resource officers, campus fencing, real-time monitoring, and tools that support rapid emergency response.
Student safety is not a one-time effort. LPSS will continue monitoring campus trends and adjusting protocols to protect students and staff and support learning.
