| Approval of an Emergency Advisory Opinion issued to Michele Braud, an employee of the Dept. of Education, regarding her acceptance of complementary travel. |
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Michelle Braud is currently employed by the State of Louisiana, Department of Education, as a World Language Specialist in the Office of Teaching and Learning. She will retire on July 1, 2026.
Ms. Braud holds a certification in French education in Louisiana, along with National Board Certification. Due to her certifications in French language education, she has been selected to participate in the Cité International College of Villers-Cotterêts Program ("Program") in France from May 12 -15, 2026. The Program is an initiative coordinated by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organization of La Francophone and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. The Program includes an in-person convention to be held on May 12-15, 2026, in France. Ms. Braud's travel costs will be paid by the Program. Her participation in the Program is unrelated to her employment duties for the Department of Education and she will be on leave while attending the conference.
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Rule 605 of the Board's Administrative Rules allows the Ethics Administrator to issue an emergency opinion when it must be rendered prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.
La. R.S. 42:1115(A)(1) provides that no public servant shall accept anything of economic value from a person who has, or is seeking to obtain, a contractual, business, or financial relationship with the public servant's agency. La. R.S. 42:1102(15) defines "person" as an individual or a legal entity, other than a governmental entity, or an agency thereof.
PRIOR OPINIONS:
1997-298: Since the cost of the complementary trip was borne by a foreign government and not a private entity, the state employee was not prohibited from accepting the complementary travel.
2003-022: Since a foreign government, and not a private entity, was paying for the Parish officials to attend the trip to China, the parish officials were not prohibited from accepting the complementary travel.
2012-1581: St. Charles Parish President not prohibited from accepting complementary travel expenses paid by South Korea, since South Korea was not a private entity.
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Adopt the emergency advisory opinion as drafted.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
David Bordelon |
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