Adam Klasfield reports on yet another lawsuit based on a school attempting to punish students for what they do outside of school and on their own time:
A high school girl was suspended from extra-curricular activities for two years based on a bogus “good conduct policy” implemented after the superintendent found a photograph of her allegedly holding a beer at a party, the girl’s father claims in Thomas County Court. He says the school changed its handbook after he questioned the punishment.
Richard Jameson claims the superintendent of Thedford High School came to his home in May to tell him that he had a photograph of Jameson’s daughter, Courtney, holding a beer at a party.
Read more on Courthouse News, where you can also find a copy of the complaint.
Even if the policy wasn’t “bogus,” schools should confine themselves to educating students and dealing with issues that occur on school property. If extra-curricular activities spill over into school, such as cyberharassment cases, yes, I think the schools will need to deal with that in school, but only to the extent that they meet their obligation to create a safe environment for all students. Underage drinking may be of concern to them, but that’s the parents’ responsibility to deal with and not the school’s, unless it happens on school property or the kids are coming in inebriated.
Paging the ACLU to Aisle 4…..
Thanks to the reader who sent in this link.