Student suspended for bringing a Leaf-like Marijuana
I think most of us can agree that things like bullying, vandalism, and plagiarism are all grounds for suspension, if not expulsion from school, right? How about bringing a flower or maple leaf to class? Well, apparently a middle school in Bedford, VA, felt that this Japanese maple leaf that one of its 6th graders brought in resembled a marijuana leaf so much so that they’re calling it insubordination and have suspended him from school — for an entire year! That is, um, INSANE!
Some classmates of the child, who is referred to as “RMB” in court documents, were spreading rumors than he had marijuana in his backpack, prompting the assistant principal to do a search. After finding this maple leaf that does, in fact, resemble a marijuana leaf, he suspended the kid for one full year, an injustice that has yet to be retracted given that the leaf has since been tested for narcotic substances and has come up negative. This poor kid has served six months of his suspension, and as a result of this whole ordeal, has suffered incredible psychological damage and is currently in treatment for panic attacks and depression. That is just so heartbreaking.
“He just broke down and said his life was over. He would never be able to get into college; he would never be able to get a job,” says RMB’s mother, Linda Bays.
These are all valid concerns, sure, but not ones that an innocent 6th grader should be stressing. You would think that the school would show a bit of empathy, heck, some mercy for this young child, but they are adamant that they followed the proper protocol in this situation. According to Bedford schools’ anti-drug policy, if it looks like an illegal drug it will be treated like an illegal drug.
“It’s the same punishment and exactly the same result,” says sheriff’s attorney Jim Guynn.
I’m sorry, but that is so unreasonable and, frankly, shocking on the school’s behalf. What do you guys think, is this school policy completely archaic and nuts?
0 comments:
Post a Comment