When a Classroom Crisis Reaches the Statehouse
In March 2024, Roger and Jana Williams received the kind of phone call that permanently fractures a family’s sense of safety. Their three-year-old daughter was allegedly sexually assaulted by another child while attending the Metairie campus of Kehoe-France. The parents took their daughter to the hospital and notified school officials, according to the family.
What followed was not merely a private family crisis, but a sprawling legal and legislative battle that exposed a blind spot in Louisiana’s child care oversight. Upon trying to submit an official grievance to the Louisiana Department of Education, the Jefferson Parish parents uncovered what they perceived as major oversight deficiencies within certain private preschool operations. That discovery launched the family on a lobbying campaign in Baton Rouge.
Closing the Oversight Gap in Louisiana
During the 2025 legislative session, the Williams family made dozens of trips to the state Capitol, testifying before lawmakers about the 254 programs they believed were not required to be licensed. Working alongside State Sen. Regina Barrow, the couple helped inspire the passage of what became known as Charlie’s Law. The measure overhauled early learning regulations comprehensively, introducing mandatory licensing for private and religious preschools alongside heightened reporting protocols whenever abuse or suspected abuse is reported.
The legislative victory offered a measure of validation for a family dealing with the grueling aftermath of trauma. “Today I’m not just here to say thank you,” an emotional Roger Williams told lawmakers during a post-passage Senate hearing. “I’m here to say let’s keep going. Let’s keep closing the gap. Let’s make Louisiana the safest place for kids to grow up because our kids deserve nothing less.” Sen. Barrow praised their perseverance, noting that their advocacy would protect children and families from heartache.
Lawmakers Amend Charlie's Law to Exempt Private School Pre-K
Statutory reform rarely moves in a straight line. Although Charlie's Law survived legal challenges after courts declined to block it, the political and legal environment shifted when the Legislature reconvened. During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers revisited the statute and amended it to exempt private school pre-K programs from the licensing requirements that had originally been included. State Sen. Beth Mizell, who authored the bill implementing those revisions, pointed out that alternative accountability and safety mandates remained active regardless of the carve-out.
Meanwhile, the Williams family has filed a civil lawsuit against Kehoe-France, alleging negligent supervision.
The safety and well-being of our students are Kehoe-France’s highest priorities. Kehoe-France disagrees with the allegations made against the school and will continue to defend itself through the legal process. Because this matter is the subject of active litigation, we will not litigate the case through the media or comment on individual allegations or evidence.
That response came from Dr. Tanya Price, Executive Head of School at Kehoe-France, in a statement to WDSU. Price added that Kehoe-France had not been contacted by the FBI regarding the matter and emphasized that the courtroom remains the proper forum for resolving claims.
Looking Forward After Trauma
For the Williams family, the daily reality is now about healing. Their daughter is 6 years old, attending a new school, and continuing therapy. Jana Williams acknowledges that rebuilding trust in educational institutions required an immense emotional toll, noting that finding comfort in letting someone else watch your child takes time.
The civil litigation moves forward through the court system. For now, the parents continue to speak out, hoping their experience offers solidarity to other families facing similar struggles.
