• ABORTION

  The moral teaching of the Catholic Church relative to human life cannot be wantonly ignored or willfully disobeyed by any student (male or female) at Sacred Heart School. A student will be subject to expulsion if the Administration determines that a student facilitates, actively supports and/or participates in an elective abortion.

  DIOCESAN POLICY FOR STUDENT PREGNANCY

  Diocesan Policy adopted in the spring of 1999 reads as follows:
  
  The Catechism of the Catholic Church reaffirms the teaching of Christ regarding chastity in stating: “All the baptized are called to chastity. The Christian has ‘put on Christ,’ the model for all chastity. All Christ’s faithful are called to lead a chaste life in keeping with their particular states of life.” As we continue to form young men and women in their baptismal commitments through Catholic education, each educator within our school system should take an active part in teaching the virtue of chastity. When a student or unmarried faculty member has not lived according to the virtue of chastity and the sexual act results in an unwed pregnancy, the clergy and the principal are to counsel and offer pastoral care to those involved. Counseling should include the added responsibilities of the new parents, which will arise, with the birth of the child(ren).
  While premarital sex is wrong, the pregnancy is a gift from God, and unless the sex act occurs on campus or at a school-sponsored event, students may not be penalized or punished by the school. A female student who becomes pregnant may continue her education on-campus unless her own physical, spiritual or psychological state requires at least temporary withdrawal and the beginning of a course of home study. As one major concern is for the health and safety of the pregnant girl while attending school, the student shall furnish a Pregnancy Status Report to the Administration as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed and then at least every six weeks thereafter. If this form is not completed or if it is not submitted within the time frame set forth, the principal may consult the appropriate people and then take whatever action is deemed suitable to ensure that the health and safety of the young lady involved is protected.
  (DP 1022-UN-WED PREGNANCIES) The Diocese of Lafayette has specific, prescribed policies concerning student marriage and pregnancy; copies are available in the administrators’ offices.