By ANGELA ROZAS
LSU student writer 

Advocate staff photo by Travis Spradling Mike Foster, left, urged a committee to pass a proposed law demanding respect in schools so that "If a student came in every day and gave the teacher ‘the bird,’ something would happen to them.

 Gov. Mike Foster said Thursday he wants to require public school students to give more respect to their teachers, and Senate Education Committee members said "Yes, sir."

A proposed law requiring public school students to stand when teachers or administrators enter a room, and to address teachers and administrators with "respectful terms" was approved by the Senate Education Committee.

SB1098, by Sen. "Don" Cravins, D-Lafayette, prompted a personal appearance by the governor, who stressed to the committee that demanding respect from students would result in better discipline.

"What we hear over and over again, as our biggest problem in schools is discipline," Foster said.

"If we can demand respect, we can get discipline," he said.

If the bill becomes law, beginning this fall students would be required to "stand and shall remain standing until the appropriate school official instructs the student or students to be seated."

Students would also be required to "address and respond to such teacher or administrator by using the respectful terms ‘Yes, Ma’am’ and ‘No, Ma’am’ or ‘Yes, Sir’ and ‘No, Sir’, as appropriate, or ‘Yes, Miss, Mrs., or Ms. (Surname)’ and ‘No, Miss, Mrs., or Ms. (Surname)’ or ‘Yes, Mr. (Surname)’ and ‘No, Mr. (Surname)’, as appropriate," according to the bill.

When Sen. Lynn Dean, R-Chalmette, questioned Foster on how the bill would be enforced, Foster responded that the city and parish school systems would take on that responsibility, just like enforcement of other rules of conduct.

"If a student came in every day and gave the teacher ‘the bird,’ something would happen to them," said Foster.

"I don’t think you would have to expel anybody for the first offense, but there are other things we require people to do if they break the rules," he said.

Cravins told the committee that no matter how much money was invested into public education, the schools still needed better discipline to improve.

"I in no way believe this will resolve all the problems in our schools," said Cravins. "But it is the first step in addressing some of the problems in this community."