Louisiana High School Controversy: Mother Says Principal’s Apology to Student is ‘Too Little, Too Late’

The recent uproar following a decision by Walker High School’s Principal, Jason St. Pierre, has resulted in a formal response. The controversy sparked when Kaylee Timonet, a senior at Walker High, faced consequences for a video that surfaced of her dancing at a private post-homecoming gathering. The video was initially shared by a DJ aiming to promote his services.

In the aftermath, Kaylee was stripped of her role in the Student Government Association (SGA) and lost a scholarship endorsement, actions taken by Principal St. Pierre. Following public backlash, the principal released a statement on Sunday, October 8, addressing the situation.

In it, he reaffirms the school’s dedication to its students, stating, “At Walker High, we strive to place our students first in every decision so they may be prepared for whatever career path they may aspire to take.”

Full statement from Walker High School Principal Jason St. Pierre:

A message from Jason St. Pierre, Principal of Walker High Livingston Parish Public Schools
Good afternoon WHS Family,
I believe it is necessary to respond to the public attention that has resulted from my actions regarding Kaylee Timonet’s participation in a dance party that was sponsored at an off-site location following WHS Homecoming.
I have had time to consider my actions, have conversations with the Timonets, and meet with district staff.
First, let me say that I have apologized to the Timonets and I am hopeful that my scheduled meeting with Kaylee’s mom will rectify this situation and allow Kaylee to enjoy the remainder of her senior year at Walker High School.
I will be reinstating Kaylee’s position on the Student Government Association. The SGA was created to give students a voice in their school and their community, to promote leadership qualities, and to represent their school with pride, enthusiasm, and respect. Our student government members are held to a high standard of student behavior. While I stand by that premise, I do believe that standard deserves the input of not just myself and top administrators, but also those student leaders. I hope to create a path moving forward where we can work together to create clear expectations for all.
I will be reinstating my scholarship endorsement for Kaylee. At Walker High, we strive to place our students first in every decision so they may be prepared for whatever career path they may aspire to take, and I believe my action will assist in doing that.
Finally, during my conversation with Kaylee regarding the dance party, the subject of religious beliefs was broached by Kaylee and myself. While that conversation was meant with the best intentions, I do understand it is not my responsibility to determine what students’ or others’ religious beliefs may be – that should be the responsibility of the individual
As principal of Walker High School, I am faced daily with many difficult decisions for the interest of our students and employees that are never taken lightly. Please know that I always strive to place our students first in every decision. It is for that reason that I have taken this corrective action.
As we move forward, I ask for your continued support of Walker High School, our amazing teachers, and outstanding students.
Thank you,
Jason St. Pierre, Principal
Walker High School

St. Pierre further announced the reinstatement of Kaylee's position in the SGA and his scholarship endorsement for her. He expressed his hopes for rectifying the situation, so Kaylee can relish the rest of her senior year. The principal also highlighted the high standards to which SGA members are held and recognized the need for broader dialogues to determine these standards.

However, for Rachel Timonet, Kaylee's mother, the principal's actions came as a delayed response. Speaking to WAFB, she noted that the scholarship's deadline had passed on October 3. "It's too little, too late," she remarked, emphasizing the irreversible harm done to her daughter.

In addition, St. Pierre mentioned a conversation he had with Kaylee about religious beliefs, acknowledging that it was not his prerogative to discuss or judge students' personal convictions.

While the principal seeks continued support for Walker High, its educators, and students, Rachel Timonet revealed plans to consult attorneys regarding the entire ordeal.

With merely eight weeks left for Kaylee before she graduates early, time will only tell how things will pan out as this developing story continues to unfold.

See the full story here via Lester Duhe's WAFB report.