PUNISHED TEEN CAN GO TO CLASS, JUDGE SAYS

A Clay-Chalkville High sophomore sent to alternative school for a
month after taking ibuprofen must be admitted to her regular classes
while she appeals her punishment in court, a state judge ruled Wednesday.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Houston L. Brown found Ysatis Jones
would be immediately and irreparably harmed if she were denied an
education while she awaits her hearing on Jan. 30. He ordered the
Jefferson County School board not to enforce the punishment until he
heard the case.

The school system barred the 15-year-old from Clay-Chalkville until
she completed her time at alternative school. Jones, who has not
attended classes since Dec. 3 when a teacher saw her swallow a Motrin
to alleviate cramps, is to return to school today.

The Jefferson County school system, as well as most others in Alabama,
classifies possession of unauthorized prescription and
over-the-counter medication as major drug offenses. Administrators
have said they prohibit students from taking them without parental
permission, and bar sharing them in order to prevent allergic
reactions and misuse. Infractions are viewed as unacceptable health
and safety risks. Zero tolerance is given to those who violate the
policy.

Superintendent Phil Hammonds declined comment Wednesday citing pending
litigation. He has said previously the policy was not intended to
create hardship. Schools have allowed students to store medicine in a
supervised area if parents give their written consent. The Jones case,
he has said, would likely prompt a serious review of the student code
of conduct this year.

Rachel Jones, the girl's mother, said hardship is exactly what the
policy has caused her family.

She agreed her daughter violated the rules and should be punished. Yet
sending her to alternative school for a month seemed harsh and unfair.

Her child holds a B average and clean discipline record. Jones said
she does not want her searched daily or to be placed with students who
have committed more serious violations, such as assault and illegal
drug use.

She also wants her daughter to go college. The stint at alternative
school, she said, will appear on her high school transcript. She filed
suit after school officials upheld the punishment.

Jones expressed relief at the judge's decision. While her child has
done lessons from home school books, Jones said she worries about her
self esteem.

"There is a difference between breaking a rule and breaking the law,"
Jones said. "I think they need to realize how something so simple can
affect someone on a major level."