Fun_People Archive
15 Oct
School defends drug suspension

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From: Peter Langston <psl>
Date: Tue, 15 Oct 96 21:15:58 -0700
To: Fun_People
Subject: School defends drug suspension

[If I were working for organized crime I couldn't come up with a more
 perfect way for the "war on drugs" to keep drug profits up...  -psl]

Forwarded-by: Keith Bostic <bostic@bsdi.com>
Forwarded-by: Jason Thorpe <thorpej@nas.nasa.gov>
Forwarded-by: Chris Gattman <gatt@thetics.europa.com>

October 2, 1996
Web posted at: 11:30 a.m.

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- School officials defended their suspension of a
13-year-old honor student who borrowed a packet of Midol from a friend,
saying the girl violated the school's drug policy.

Erica Taylor, 13, took the over-the-counter pills from a classmate at Baker
Junior High School in Fairborn, Ohio, because she felt poorly -- but then
decided not to take them.

When she was found out, the school suspended her for 10 days and ordering
her to undergo a drug evaluation or possibly face expulsion.

"The more and more I thought about it, the more ridiculous it became,"
Erica's father, Dan Taylor, said Tuesday.

The district's drug policy does not distinguish between legal and illegal
or prescription and nonprescription drugs, said school spokeswoman Joy
Paolo. Nonprescription drugs are only given to students who bring in signed
permission slips from their parents.

"We're real comfortable with our policy, and it's pretty much in line with
what most districts do," Paolo said. "I believe the general public wants
safe, drug-free schools."

Midol, which contain acetaminophen and caffeine, are taken to relieve
cramps, headaches and other symptoms related to menstrual periods.

Erica, who had perfect attendance last year and made the honor roll each of
the past three years, can reduce her suspension by attending drug screenings
for $100 with later visits costing $90.

"I want to get back to school," she said. "I don't want to fail eighth
grade."

© 1996 Peter Langston