Middle school student suspended for 'liking' photo of gun on Instagram

An Edgewood [Ohio] Middle School student was handed a 10-day suspension for “liking” a picture of a gun on Instagram with the caption “ready." The parents of Zachary Bowlin 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.” "I was livid, I mean, I’m sitting here thinking ‘you just suspended him for ten days for liking a picture of a gun on a social media site," father Marty Bowlin said. "He never shared, he never commented, he never made a threatening post… anything on the site, just liked it."

Link to full article - Middle school student suspended for 'liking' photo of gun on Instagram

Here is the photo, scary, isn't it?



Seriously? What kind of overbearing nanny state are we creating here with this crap? How is liking the picture of an airsoft pistol (not even a real one), from his own home, outside of school hours, constitute a threat to the student body and school? Really??? I am without words here...........

a reply to: Krakatoa

It's happening.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

If this gains steam...

... kids across the nation are gonna catch on and start liking guns so they can get 'vacation' days from school.

Haha... #backfire!

originally posted by: six67seven
If this gains steam...

... kids across the nation are gonna catch on and start liking guns so they can get 'vacation' days from school.

Haha... #backfire!

Careful how you word things. The use of the word "fire" in the context of a discussion about a gun might get them knocking upon your door next.

SMDFH

originally posted by: six67seven
If this gains steam...

... kids across the nation are gonna catch on and start liking guns so they can get 'vacation' days from school.

Haha... #backfire!

You just gave them an idea!

a reply to: knowledgehunter0986

Totally different situation.
The social media in question in that story was an image of another student and a staff member from THAT school. Cyberbullying students or staff was a reason listed for discipline at that school.

originally posted by: knowledgehunter0986
a reply to: Krakatoa

It's happening.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Apples and oranges. This isn't a perceived threat on a specific person. In that case this school went beyond overboard this time.

a reply to: Krakatoa

Since receiving the notice, the family said the school has dropped the suspension and there will be no repercussions for the child’s actions

from the op story

Do you read your own stories?

a reply to: shooterbrody

Not different at all. 4 students in total were suspended. I won't argue for the guy that posted the actual photo, but suspended for a "yep" comment?

a reply to: Krakatoa

so someone at the school spends all day monitoring social media posts ?

a reply to: knowledgehunter0986

in a racist post threatening violence against a student and a staff member?
when those things are listed as reasons for discipline in the schools policy then yes

a reply to: kibric

that is pretty sinister
but if your children have social media accounts they need to understand the schools policies

a reply to: shooterbrody

The other 2 students didn't like the picture in question, but liked other photos on his page, none relating to a student or staff, but still racist.

a reply to: knowledgehunter0986

and the parents of the students that commented or liked the post are suing the school district

i will again mention this was mentioned in the schools disciplinary policy
dont sign it if you cant live with it

a reply to: shooterbrody

You could even argue one of the students were against the racism, he commented "this page is only targeting blacks" and got suspended for that.

originally posted by: shooterbrody
a reply to: Krakatoa

Since receiving the notice, the family said the school has dropped the suspension and there will be no repercussions for the child’s actions

from the op story

Do you read your own stories?

Yes, I did. but the fact remains that this type of thing even happened in the first place. IT should not have at all. The school staff should have investigated, yes, asked the boy and his family in to discuss it. But not go to the lengths of advocating suspension based upon a lack of facts and fear. That in itself shows very poor judgement on their part.

Is still SMDFH over this one.

a reply to: Krakatoa

“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”

again from your story

Do you want the school NOT to act on an alleged threat of a student bringing a gun to school?

a reply to: knowledgehunter0986

according to that schools policy if the student did not turn the kid making the threats in then yes it is a violation

originally posted by: shooterbrody
a reply to: Krakatoa

“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”

again from your story

Do you want the school NOT to act on an alleged threat of a student bringing a gun to school?

Did you even read MY post?? I said investigate, yes. Discuss it like adults, not have a knee jerk reaction and try to suspend the kid.

Perhaps you need some comprehension and reading lessons too?

a reply to: Krakatoa

They didnt "try" to suspend the kid.

intended suspension notice

Perhaps you are the one with comprehension issues, or do you know the meaning of "intended"?