In the wake of a tragic incident that cost the life of a 15-year-old student, the Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) has unanimously voted for a comprehensive revision of its student travel policies. Christopher Hampton, a student at Cesar Chavez High School, drowned at Show Low Lake last July while on a football camp trip. Despite attempts to increase safety, the district's actions have been met with criticism for being too delayed and insufficient.
Following the incident, the district, which previously had a two-paragraph-long policy, expanded its guidelines to an eight-page document detailing specific protocols for student safety. According to reports by Arizona's Family, these changes include prohibiting activities such as swimming, rope courses, and zip-lining unless the activity is related to an AIA-sanctioned sport or competition. The new policy will also require a certified employee or authorized adult for every 10 students on overnight or out-of-state trips, and one for every 15 on local trips.
Nevertheless, the attorney for Hampton's family, Benjamin Taylor, has been vocal in his belief that these policy amendments are "way too little and way too late," as he told Arizona's Family. Taylor is standing by the family's position that more than policy is needed; there must be proper enforcement and diligent adherence to these guidelines by district administrators and coaches.
The district responded to the tragedy and subsequent criticism with a general statement about their commitment to continuous improvement. "This year, the district’s systems improvement team came together to review and adjust the PXU’s field trip and travel policy and procedures. PXU regularly reviews and revises our processes and procedures connected to all school-related business. This practice is connected to our commitment to continuous improvement to best serve our students, staff, and community," the district conveyed in a statement obtained by ABC15.
In spite of policy changes, the district is still facing a potential lawsuit. Hampton's family filed a $50 million notice of claim in October. No formal lawsuit has been filed as they await a response from PXU. Since the incident, the athletic director and head coach have resigned, according to ABC15. The revamped district policy is set to take effect on July 1.
