FERRIDAY — Harsher consequences for Ferriday students involved in fights at school went into effect this week following a fight that led to four students being arrested.

Parents of students at Ferriday High School and Ferriday Junior High School received letters in the mail this week from Superintendent Paul Nelson regarding the changes to disciplinary policies for students involved in fighting and gang activity.

“The fighting has gotten out of hand,” Nelson said. “We need to take a harsh line to slow it down so we can have school without so many interruptions and disruptions.”

Nelson said the Concordia Parish School Board has a responsibility and duty to maintain schools free of violence, intimidation and other behaviors, which threaten the safety and well being of students and staff.

“These types of activities will not be tolerated at school or any school-sponsored event,” Nelson said.

Four FHS students were arrested last week on charges of inciting to riot, disturbing the peace and one on a charge of battery on a police officer after Ferriday Resource Officer Richard Madison was hit by one of the students during the fight.

The new disciplinary policies, which went into effect Tuesday, state the following:

Any student involved in a fight on campus or while at a school-sponsored event will be suspended immediately pending a disciplinary hearing to place the student at the alternative school for a period of between 30 days and the remainder of the school year.

Any student involved in his/her second fight will be recommended for expulsion and placed at the alternative school for an extended period of time.

Students who purposefully leave a classroom, gym or other educational setting to witness, promote, encourage or participate in a fight will also be suspended and will have a hearing to determine their length of placement at the alternative school.

Any student who is placed at the alternative school for any period of time because of their participation in a fight or school disruption will not be able to attend any extracurricular activity or participate in any sporting event for the remainder of the school year.