Third-grader suspended for taking vitamin at school

al.com ^ | January, 30 2003

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- A third-grader who took a vitamin with his lunch at school was suspended for five days for violating the Mobile County system's zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse.

Ricky Wright, the student's father, said the pill was a green multivitamin. Wright said he and his wife -- a registered nurse -- did not think his son, Ryan, was wrong in taking the pill to O'Rourke Elementary School.

Wright said school officials overreacted and a five-day suspension was too harsh a penalty.

But school officials cited written policy, made available to parents, that specifically prohibits students from bringing to school vitamins and even look-alike candies. The concern is that another student, possibly allergic to the substance, could have taken it.

O'Rourke Principal Karen Mohr said other students saw "a purple pill."

"It was very frightening because we didn't know what the child had ingested," she said.

[alisasny]

What next chapstick????

They do sell a medicated chapstick for extreme dry lips...

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

"Whattya in for?"
"I got 3 to 5 for conspiracy to chew Flintstone Kids Chewables."

[mamalujo]

Was this the first time he had taken his vitamins at school?

[AmericaUnited]

IDIOCY RUNNING AMUCK!

[Joe Hadenuf]

O'Rourke Principal Karen Mohr said other students saw "a purple pill." "It was very frightening because we didn't know what the child had ingested," she said.

Next time Ms Mohr, try asking the kid.

Public schools are full of hysterical people.....

[Texas_Jarhead]

a third grader violates a school's zero-tolerance policy for substance abuse by taking a vitamin..? Come on people, pull your heads outta yur Klintons. How about some common sense here.

Observation: the more one moves to the left ideologically the more their common sense diminishes.

[demlosers]

O'Rourke Principal Karen Mohr said other students saw "a purple pill."

"It was very frightening because we didn't know what the child had ingested," she said.

Translation: We're very frightened of being sued.

[capitan_refugio]

This points out the problem with "zero tolerance" type policies. The only way to fight this type of idiocy is to make the claim and prove the pill was not a medication, but a food supplement. I mean a kid at this school could get suspended for having a candy cherry Luden's! Sheesh.

The idea that another student could eat it and get sick, is an overblown concern. My son has a food allegy to fresh tomatoes. He knows not to eat them, even if he trades sandwiches with a buddy. Do we outlaw tomatoes because some kid might become ill by eating them?

[LayoutGuru2]

Next time send 'em off to school with some of this:

Kid Stoned Chewable Valium

[lodwick]

Sweet Jesus!

[VadeRetro]

"It was very frightening because we didn't know what the child had ingested," she said.

Frighten a liberal, go to jail. It's the law.

[Polycarp]

homeschool. before its too late.

[Slyfox]

What the big deal is a "suspension" from school anyways?
Everyone prays for teacher inservice and snow days.
And yes, Virginia, we must all thank the good Lord for MLK day.

[sheik yerbouty]

Hasn't this PC idiocy gone on long enough?

[spokanite]

Hmm, chapstick is considered a drug and it's not allowed. Two years ago I received a call from my daughter's school and they informed me that she had chapstick in her possession and it wasn't allowed at school. So, no more chapstick in her backpack!

[ladylib]

Don't think students haven't been suspended for Luden's Wild Cherry Cough drops.

[537 Votes]

Frighten a liberal, go to jail. It's the law.

Someday under President Hillary, the military and police will simply throw down their weapons and walk away and say, "You liberals can enforce your own ridiculous laws!"

[henderson field]

Principal Karen Mohr is a communist, and "zero-tolerance" is a Nazi concept. We're sinking faster than you know.

[RobRoy]

These peoples reactions are truly moronic. I'm speechless (after saying that).