Dads on Duty: Concerned Dads Spend Time in Louisiana High School to Bring Safety and Dad Jokes After String of Arrests

By Peyton Phillips October 28, 2021

“Not everybody has a father figure at home — or a male, period, in their life. So just to be here makes a big difference

Multiple fights at Southwood High School in Shreveport, Louisiana led to the arrest of 23 students in just a matter of days. So, a group of about 40 dads stepped in to put an end to the violence.

The group named themselves “Dads on Duty” and are on the school’s campus for the entire school day, operating in shifts to ensure someone is there at all times. They are there to lift the spirits of the students, tell dad jokes, offer advice and simply let the students know that there is someone in their corner.

Michael LaFitte told CBS News he started Dads on Duty because “we decided the best people who can take care of kids are who? Are us.” Since the group was created, there have been no more fights on campus, with one student saying, “The school has just been happy, and you can feel it.”

The group would love to see similar groups pop up across the country. “Not everybody has a father figure at home — or a male, period, in their life. So just to be here makes a big difference,” said one dad.

Image source: Good Morning America