Video: Middle School Student Suspended For “Liking” a Photo of a Gun on Instagram
OutdoorHub Reporters 05.09.17
A middle school student in Ohio was sent home and handed a 10-day suspension for “liking” a picture of a gun on Instagram. Were the school’s sanctions warranted?
Edgewood Middle School, in Trenton Ohio, has a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to violent, harassing or any other inappropriate behavior. They made that crystal clear by slapping Zachary Bowlin with a suspension from school for 10 days for liking a picture on a social media site.
Zachary’s parents were livid when they found out the reason for their son’s suspension and posted a picture of the intended suspension notice which read, “The reason for the intended suspension is as follows: Liking a post on social media that indicated potential school violence.”
The picture in question is of an airsoft handgun with the caption “ready.”
According to Fox19, Zachary stated “I liked it, scrolling down Instagram at night about 7, 8 o’clock I liked it,” he said. “The next morning they called me down to the office, patted me down and checked me for weapons.”
The school has apparently dropped the suspension since the original notice and will not punish Zachary any further for his actions.
Fox19 reports an email from the school was sent out to parents saying:
“Yesterday evening school officials were made aware to an alleged threat of a student bringing a gun to school. We act on any potential threat to student safety swiftly and with the utmost importance. This morning, the alleged threat was addressed and we can assure you that all students at Edgewood Middle School are safe and school will continue as normal. Thank you”
Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV
