Board adopts new student‑questioning policy after heated debate over parent presence

The Clark County Board of Education voted to adopt a revised interrogations and investigations policy (LD AJ) after an extended discussion about parental presence during the questioning of students, exceptions for imminent danger, and how the policy interacts with law‑enforcement requests.

Board members pressed for clearer language on when a parent or legal guardian must be present and how exceptions are handled. "I want us to be clear that students when they are questioned that their parents must be there unless it is a situation where harm is imminent," said Dr. Lkesha Gant during debate.

Others warned the policy should not create operational barriers to investigations or conflict with legal obligations. Members discussed the phrase "if practicable" in the draft and whether it created too broad an exception; several asked staff and counsel to refine the drafting.

Following discussion the board voted to adopt the policy (seven yes, two no). Members who voted for adoption noted continuing concerns and signaled they expect staff to bring back clarifying revisions quickly.

The board’s legal advisor and staff participated in the conversation and reiterated that emergency exceptions and statutory obligations must be preserved. Board members asked that the policy be re‑examined in light of implementation experience and to ensure it does not unintentionally hinder necessary investigations.