BATON ROUGE, LA – In response to growing support for St. George forming its own school system, East Baton Rouge Parish officials have unveiled a new public awareness campaign emphasizing what they call the “long-term benefits of sustained disappointment.”
The initiative, titled “Suffering Builds Character,” encourages families to vote to remain in the EBR school district to ensure students receive what leaders describe as a “well-rounded educational struggle.” Billboards, social media ads, and school assemblies will highlight the value of perseverance, lowered expectations, and the life skills gained from repeatedly hearing that improvement is just around the corner.
“We’re concerned these students may never develop the resilience that comes from years of unmet promises,” said one district spokesperson. “You can’t replicate that overnight in a brand new system.”
Officials added that the district also plays a critical role in teaching real-world survival skills, including how to respond calmly to routine campus incidents, navigate unexpected lockdowns, and process the regular discovery of weapons brought onto school grounds.
Parents in the St. George area expressed mixed reactions, with some saying they were unaware character development required this level of commitment.
District leaders confirmed they are also exploring a new slogan, “Stay for the struggle,” pending final approval from a committee expected to meet sometime within the next decade.
