Guidelines ban fraternizing with students

Associated Press - November 26, 2009 10:54 AM ET

HERNANDO, Miss. (AP) - The DeSoto County School Board has adopted guidelines to prohibit inappropriate activity between teachers and students.

One policy, adopted Tuesday, would limit any electronic communication between teachers and students to school matters. It applies to text messages on cell phones, e-mails and other social networking.

Another policy prohibits fraternizing between school employees and students "on a personal level."

The Commercial Appeal in Memphis reports that two school district workers have been charged with sexual battery for allegedly being involved with female students under the age of 18.

The new policies allow for disciplinary action including termination.

Information from: The Commercial Appeal, http://www.commercialappeal.com