WAUSAU (WAOW)– The Wausau Board of Education has voted in favor of a proposed state resolution that would prohibit publicly identifying students with a delinquent meal balance.

The resolution is currently up for debate in the state legislature.

Supporters of the resolution say lunch shaming has immediate and lasting effects on a student’s self-esteem and ability to learn. Students who are unable to afford their meals should not be shamed.

“It’s just an education about the way people need to be treated. If people can’t afford their lunches, especially children, we don’t believe the way to get parents to pay bills is to shame the child,” said Dr. Keith Hilts the Superintendent of the Wausau School District.

It will now go before a committee during the Wisconsin Association of School Boards convention in January.