Pubdate: Sat, 20 Dec 2003
Source: Clarion-Ledger, The (MS)
Copyright: 2003 The Clarion-Ledger
Contact: http://www.clarionledger.com/about/letters.html
Website: http://www.clarionledger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/805
Note: Bossier, Louisiana, is near Shreveport.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?217 (Drug-Free Zones)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

BOSSIER SCHOOL SYSTEM TO MODIFY DRUG POLICY

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (AP) -- Following the expulsion of a student who had 
Advil in her purse, the Bossier Parish school system is modifying its 
policy dealing with over-the-counter medications.

Principals will be told that they are not required to expel students with 
such medications when school starts its next term on Jan. 5.

Until now, the district has had a zero-tolerance policy for all drugs, 
including those that are legal and purchased over the counter. But the 
expulsion of Parkway High School sophomore Amanda Stiles for having Advil 
in her purse stirred national attention.

Superintendent Ken Kruithof said system officials also will start reviewing 
the circumstances of students expelled for that offense when they return to 
work after the Christmas holiday.

But officials will have to determine who those students are. Kruithof said 
that officials do not note a difference between illegal, prescription and 
non-prescription drugs found on students when making reports.
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