Teen risks penalty over beads

Albany Times Union ^ | April 9, 2005 | MICHELE MORGAN BOLTON,

[Zilch]

Teen risks penalty over beads School threatens in-school suspension if Raven Furbert dons red, white and blue necklace

By MICHELE MORGAN BOLTON, Staff writer First published: Saturday, April 9, 2005

SCHENECTADY -- The saga continues for a 13-year-old Mont Pleasant Middle School student who is suing school officials for the right to wear a handmade red, white and blue necklace to class. Raven Furbert was a typical student before she received a string-it-yourself bead kit for Christmas.

Now, the girl who filed the civil rights violation claim in U.S. District Court in February has drawn national attention as she fights administrators who say paraphernalia featuring gang-oriented colors is prohibited. At least 50 Web sites have been dedicated to her.

Furbert said she wears the necklace in honor of soldiers serving overseas, including an uncle and three other relatives.

Friday, the case again boiled over when Furbert's mother, Katie Grzywna, was called to school after her daughter was threatened with in-school suspension if she didn't remove the beads.

Grzywna opted instead to take her daughter home for the day.

"This is ridiculous," she said. "If she's in an in-school suspension Monday, I'll be sitting on the hood of my car wearing a red-, white- and blue necklace from 8 to 3."

"This is an action taken by the district to punish her for standing up for her rights," added the family's lawyer, Bob Keach.

"They're enforcing an unwritten, unconstitutional policy against a 13-year-old who wants to show her patriotism."

School district spokesman Michael Lisi said officials are happy to let the courts do the work: "You can't measure prevention," he said.

[Montfort]

If it recorded her sexual experience, it would be acceptable, but since it is supporting her country, she is in trouble.

[Kaslin]

This is outrageous. I hope the girl wins her law suit

[SIDENET]

I'm glad that they filed a civil rights complaint on those freaks. It is one of the things that they actually fear. Give 'em Hell!!!

[Wormwood]

Zero Tolerance strikes again.

Defund these fools already.

[TheDon]

gang-oriented colors

LOL! The USA gang!

[upchuck]

School district spokesman Michael Lisi said officials are happy to let the courts do the work: "You can't measure prevention," he said.

I'm sure you are, Michael. Especially since the courts seem to be overrunning with activist judges who actually seem to enjoy shredding and trashing the constitution.

[Jason Kauppinen]

She also happens to be black.

[TWohlford]

The school district is claiming that such beads have been used by some to display gang colors. Of course, this means that no one can wear any beads of any colors.

Schools can't differentiate between asprin and cocaine as it throws out kids in a "zero tolorance" drug policy. Likewise, it can't tell the difference between a 2" pocket knife and an AK-47, or for that matter, an AK-47 brought in by a student and an AK-47 which is part of a gun show that leases space on the weekends. They can't tell the difference between a slap to the face of a "fresh" boy and the punches of a school bully.

Shall I go on?

If your school district ever passes a "zero tolorance" policy of any sort it is your duty as a Freeper to point out that this means a "zero brains" response.

[etcetera]

Why does the field of Education seem to attract such idiots? This situation lends credence to the saying,"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

[TWohlford]

"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

Those who can't teach, administrate.

And those who are brain-addled enough to be on a school board pass zero-tolorance policies.

[Navy Patriot]

I wonder which branch of the "gang" she wants to join, Army, Navy, or Air Force?

[cricket]

The insanity that is now being played out in public schools should be a political issue. . .

Every frickin Lib who shows up for media face-time. . .should be asked where they stand on these anti-sanity decisions/positions; which are no more than versions of the Libs institutional brand of political correctness.

More of these Demrats would be knocked out of their box. . .if the public realized that even half of what is going down today. . .is being done in. . .their name.

[Kaslin]

How do you know? The article does not say anything about her skin color

[Archon of the East]

If they would only put as much emphasis on actually having the children learn something. But if you can't teach indoctrinate!

[festus]

Yah those darn patriots ........

LOL......

[festus]

School district spokesman Michael Lisi said officials are happy to let the courts do the work: "You can't measure prevention," he said.

And if you can't measure it how do you know its working ?

Time to take back the schools ( right after we bag the courts ).

[Jonx6]

bttt

[LibertyRocks]

More coverage on this story here:

http://www.wnyt.com/x1649.xml?ag=x156&sb=x183

2nd article excerpt:

"The school's code of conduct states student's jewelry "will be safe, appropriate and not...interfere with the educational process." It also says "students will not wear any clothing deemed to be gang related."

The code of conduct does not explicitly mention beads or beaded necklaces. But school officials say the beads have been affiliated with gangs in the past. So they're not allowed.

"We want to make sure that our students have options to express themselves, but it has to be done in a way that's safe for everyone in the school building,” said Shari Greenleaf, the attorney for the city school district.

"It's red, white and blue. The colors of the school are red, white and blue. This is potentially gang-related? What does that mean? It's ridiculous,” Keach said.

School officials say the color red is often affiliated with one particular gang, and the color blue is often affiliated with another."

[Spirited]

This is par for a school from a State with Hillary as Senator.