Silly suspensions over fast food

By William R. Toler

What would you think if your child got suspended from school because of what you brought them for lunch?

Parents of Reidsville Middle School students had to deal with that last week, according to WHGP-TV.

When Charles Finney brought his daughter Brittney a hamburger from McDonald’s, the school sent a letter home warning against it. The next day, when he did it again, she was suspended for three days.

The same day, Destiny Mullins was given an in-school suspension and made to work as a school janitor after her mother brought her lunch from Wendy’s. That was the first…and last time the mother said she would bring fast food.

While Destiny returned to school Tuesday, Destiny said her suspension would be changed to two excused absences and will return with a clean slate.

While both parents brought their children’s lunch to them in a plain, brown bag, they view the situation differently.

Kanita Mullins, Destiny’s mother, said that she would heed the school’s wishes in the future. “I hope they would change something in the rule book,” she said. “If they don’t want the parents bringing food, they need to address it.”

Finney said he was told by the principal that “school policy does not allow outside food because it competes with child nutrition standards.”

“They can’t tell you what to feed your child,” Finney said. “It ain’t no contest. As long as you feed your child, what’s the point?”

Bravo Mr. Finney. You obviously don’t like your parental rights being trampled on by the state. Unlike Ms. Mullins who is just rolling over to the overzealous indoctrination center, not wanting to make waves.

I’m not opposed to children eating a healthy, balanced meal, but a parent should be able to choose what they give their child to eat if not provided by the school. Plus, the student’s should not be punished for what the parents provide.

As we’ve pointed out before on this blog, for being “public” institutions schools have one of the worst records when it comes to individual liberty, both on and off campus…where the should have no jusidiction whatsoever.

Again, I’d like to paraphrase Beaufort County Commissioner Hood Richardson: How do we teach students about their rights when they’re not allowed to use them?