Principal Punished Star Student for Her Dance Moves at an Off-Campus Party

The principal gave a 17-year-old student printed-out Bible verses and refused to recommend her for scholarships after seeing a video of her dance moves. He’s since apologized

The principal at a Louisiana high school punished a 17-year-old student after he was sent a video of her dance moves at an off-campus, after-school party supervised by parents and decided she was “twerking.” Principal Jason St. Pierre told Kaylee Timonet that she had to step down from student government, that she was out of the running for Student of the Year, and that he would no longer recommend her for two scholarships she was applying for.

Kaylee’s mom, Rachel Timonet, told local reporters that the dancing happened at a private, off-campus, post-homecoming party thrown by parents. She said many parents were present, and they didn’t see anything inappropriate about any of the students’ dance moves.

“I was physically there watching her do it, so if I thought it was inappropriate in any way, I would have corrected my child,” she said. “If something that she did on school grounds and they called her in and addressed it, fine. But when you’re addressing something because of a personal belief?”

The video of Kaylee’s dancing can be seen in the news report below.

St. Pierre saw the video and called Kaylee to his office for a meeting, where he accused her of “twerking” and said she wasn’t “living in the Lord’s way.”

“He also began to ask her questions about the faith of her friends,” Rachel said. “He even printed Bible verses off, highlighted them, and spoke to her, basically, about faith.”

St. Pierre has since apologized.

“I have had time to consider my actions, have conversations with the Timonets, and meet with district staff,” he said in a written statement. “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.”

He added that Kaylee was reinstated to student government and that he had no right to bring up religion with her during a meeting at school.

“Finally, during my conversation with Kaylee regarding the dance party, the subject of religious beliefs was broached by Kaylee and myself,” he wrote. “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.”

In a statement, the school district said that St. Pierre had asked to take the rest of the school year off.

“Thankfully people have stood up for Kaylee,” Rachel said. “I’ll be forever grateful. Because she’s worked so hard. I don’t want all of this to go away and for her to feel like a failure. Always stand up for your kids. And if you are in a position of power, like an administration or educator, you should lift them up instead of put them down.”