Dallas ISD Considers Stiffer Penalties for Door Propping
Dallas — May 12, 2025 — News sources say that Dallas ISD is proposing stricter penalties for students found propping open secured doors. The district’s proposal follows a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School last month. The change would escalate the consequences of students who intentionally keep doors unlocked. The district hopes the new rules would improve safety measures on campuses.
Dallas ISD Considers Stiffer Penalties for Propping Open Secured doors
May 12, 2025
The Proposed Change
Dallas ISD is weighing a significant change to its student code of conduct. The district is considering escalating the consequences for students who prop open locked or secured doors. This discussion follows a recent incident at Wilmer-Hutchins High School.
Did You Know?
Dallas ISD has an in-house police force to improve student and staff safety [[1]]. The Dallas ISD police and Security Services Department handles all district law enforcement duties. For more details, call (214) 932-5600.
Currently, propping open a locked door is classified as a Level II B offense. The proposed update would reclassify it as a Level III offense. This change would mandate placement in a disciplinary alternative school (DAEP) for offenders. Currently, punishment is at the discretion of the school.
The Wilmer-Hutchins shooting
Last month’s shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, which resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to four students and a teacher, has intensified the focus on school safety.Dallas ISD police reported that the suspect in the shooting gained access to the school through a locked side door. A student allegedly let the suspect in, bypassing metal detectors.
Board Discussion and Concerns
The proposed update to the student code of conduct for the 2025-2026 school year was a key topic at Thursday’s board meeting. The Dallas ISD board of trustees discussed these updates,with several members expressing concerns about the effectiveness of current disciplinary measures.
Trustee Camile White stated:
I feel like as it’s not being enforced, whether it’s with dress code or behavior … sometimes when you let people get away with an inch, they’ll take a mile.
Trustee Camile White
some trustees voiced concerns that even after students are placed in DAEP, their behaviors frequently enough do not improve.
Alternative approaches to Discipline
In 2021, Dallas ISD ended both in- and out-of-school suspensions. The district introduced “reset centers” where students work with coordinators on behavior while remaining engaged in schoolwork.
Pro Tip
Dallas ISD Police and campus safety coordinators complete safety audits [[2]].Dallas ISD is home to thousands of students and staff members, and their safety is our top priority.
Trustee Joyce Foreman noted that the district has been examining its approach to discipline for several years. She expressed reservations about the current system’s effectiveness, saying:
I know in the schools in my district I have not seen that turn out to be better, because we continue to have some of those serious issues that continue with our young people.
Trustee Joyce Foreman
Foreman suggested that students might need alternative settings beyond DAEP.
Next Steps
The board is scheduled to vote on the proposed updates to the student code of conduct at its next meeting on May 22.
FAQ
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Why is Dallas ISD considering this change?
In response to a recent shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School where the suspect entered through a propped-open door.
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What is the current punishment for propping open a locked door?
Currently a Level II B offense, with punishment at the school’s discretion.
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What would the new punishment be?
A Level III offense, mandating placement in a disciplinary alternative school (DAEP).
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When will the board vote on this change?
The next board meeting on May 22.
