Violation of the following code may result in the dismissal of a Boys State participant (“Citizen”) from the program at the discretion of the Chair of the Boys State Commission and/or Boys State Program Staff. Any Citizen dismissed for violating the Code of Conduct will not be recognized as having been a delegate to Boys State. In addition, a letter will be sent to the delegate’s high school administration and the sponsoring American Legion Post. These rules are in effect throughout the entire program from first arrival on campus to final departure.
- All Citizens are expected to be active participants in all aspects of the Boys State program and to cooperate with all Boys State Program Staff, The American Legion, and Southeastern Louisiana University personnel as requested.
- All program participants are required to wear the appropriate Boys State shirt or other attire as provided by the program when outside of dormitories or other residential facilities.
- When moving across the SLU campus outside of designated program areas or buildings, Citizens must be always accompanied as a group or individual by a Boys State Staff Member or Counselor, an American Legion Staff Member or a Southeastern Louisiana University official or staff member as approved by the Boys State Commission Chair or Boys State Program Staff.
- Disrespect, harassment, or repeated lack of cooperation with Boys State Program Staff, Counselors, The American Legion Staff or Southeastern Louisiana University staff, faculty, students, or any other individual is not tolerated.
- Intentional or repeated use of abusive or explicit language or any other profanity will not be allowed as any part of the program.
- In line with national American Legion and LABS policies and adhering to those of the host institution, Southern Louisiana University, no Citizen of Boys State shall harass or disrespect another Boys State Citizen; American Legion, staff, or counselor volunteer; SLU student or staff; or program visitor because of their personal or political beliefs, race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, political affiliation, citizenship, or retirement status, or any other basis prescribed under Louisiana or Federal law.
- Sexual harassment of or by any individual, associated with LABS or not, and in any form is prohibited, will result in removal for the program, and may be referred to local legal authorities as warranted. Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome or inappropriate verbal remarks or requests, physical advances or actions, and sharing information or sending electronic communications of a sexual or explicit nature.
- Candidate speeches or other Citizen presentations that include vulgarity or other derogatory or inappropriate remarks that could be interpreted as racist, sexually explicit, or otherwise offensive may result in termination of that Citizen’s campaign or presentation. Further penalties up to and including expulsion from Boys State may by incurred at the discretion of the Chair of the Louisiana Boys State Commission and/or Program Staff.
- In accordance with Louisiana law (RS 17:1801) and in line with Southeastern Louisiana University’s policies for affiliated student groups, hazing or abuse – physical or virtual – is unacceptable and may be referred to local law enforcement as warranted. Hazing is defined as: any action taken or situation created intentionally or unintentionally – with or without consent – that endangers a student or creates risk of injury, produces mental or physical harm, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule – whether on or off campus.
- Citizen use of tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs is prohibited. Any Citizen who cannot refrain from using these items during this program should decline their invitation to attend the program and any found in violation of this prohibition shall be removed from the program. Violations of this policy may also be reported to appropriate authorities as required under Southeastern Louisiana University’s tobacco free and alcohol policies.
- Deliberate tampering with online platforms, hardware, software, electronic communications, or usage of such in manners not prescribed by the Program Staff or which interfere with the conduct of the program or business of the host institution may result in dismissal from the program, requirements for restitution if damages are incurred, and/or referral to appropriate authorities as warranted.
- Per Louisiana Boys State policy, Citizens are not allowed to use any cooking appliances in any dormitory spaces.
- Destruction of, damage to, or vandalism of Boys State’s or Southeastern Louisiana University’s physical property – intentional or unintentional – will require restitution to the American Legion and/or host institution, as appropriate, and may result in dismissal from the program or prosecution as warranted. Costs or fees resulting from damage to University property, lost keys, cleaning, or otherwise will be charged on a per person basis to those deemed responsible for the cause and at a rate assessed by SLU.
- In addition to policies, guidelines, and expectations set out by the American Legion and the Louisiana Boys State program, all program participants are subject to behavior and reporting guidelines as defined by the host institution, Southeastern Louisiana University. Violation of SLU conduct standards and regulations may result in penalties as defined by the institution and may as a result also lead to dismissal from the program.
- Program participants are responsible for the condition of any housing facilities assigned to them for the duration of and resulting from their stay on campus and are subject to all University policies regarding housing access, behavior, and hours of operation. Participants are responsible for providing their own linens and personal hygiene items.
