Multiple Sources Say Police Reports Have Surged In St. Tammany Schools Following E.E. Lyon Case

Multiple people have reached out to The Rabbit Hole in recent days describing what they say has been a dramatic increase in police reports involving touching between students across St. Tammany Parish Public Schools.

Several people familiar with the situation have independently told The Rabbit Hole that the number of reports could be in the hundreds since the beginning of the school year. The Rabbit Hole has not independently confirmed an exact districtwide number through official law enforcement records, so the reported total should not be treated as confirmed.

According to those who have contacted us, the reports involve a very wide range of behavior. Some involve allegations of genuinely inappropriate touching. Others reportedly involve very young children, including kindergarten students, and interactions that could be as simple as poking another student, touching another child, or giving someone a high five.

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Multiple people who have spoken with The Rabbit Hole believe the sharp increase in reporting stems from heightened caution following the E.E. Lyon Elementary School case, which placed intense attention on mandatory reporting requirements and what school employees are expected to do when they become aware of potentially inappropriate conduct involving students.

Former E.E. Lyon administrators Lauryn Faciane and Tonya Barth pleaded guilty to charges involving the failure to report suspected child abuse. The case centered on allegations involving students that authorities said should have been reported to law enforcement or the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services.

The case has understandably changed the environment inside local schools. Employees who fail to report a serious incident can face significant consequences. According to the people who contacted The Rabbit Hole, that has also created an atmosphere where some employees may now be reporting virtually any questionable physical interaction rather than risk being accused later of failing to report something.

That does not mean every report involves abuse or criminal behavior.

A police report documents an allegation or incident. It does not mean a crime occurred, that abuse occurred, or that a child did something criminal. Authorities still have to determine what happened and whether any further action is appropriate.

The exact number of reports remains unconfirmed. However, multiple people have independently described the same broader situation to The Rabbit Hole. Since the E.E. Lyon case, schools appear to be operating with considerably more caution when physical contact between students is reported.

The Rabbit Hole is continuing to gather information and will update this story if an official districtwide number or additional documentation becomes available.