Michigan Student Takes Picture Of Tainted Water In School . . . School Suspends Student

We have yet another story of educators showing no regard for the interests of students in the imposition of a thoughtless and baseless punishment. In this case, the Wayne-Westland Community Schools had children using discolored and tainted water in their restrooms. Hazel Juco took a picture of the disgusting water and posted it in the hope of getting action. The school administrators responded by suspending her.

The posting got attention, including from the administrators who sought to punish Juco. They used a rule barring the taking of pictures in bathrooms, even though it was not of any individual and was intended to draw attention to a health issue.

After a hue and cry following the punishment, Dr. Michele Harmala, the superintendent for Wayne-Westand Community Schools, rescinded the sanction. Yet, as usual, there is no punishment of the administrators or teacher who ordered this abusive punishment. Students can be subject to arbitrary punishments, of course, but teachers appear beyond account in this district.