SUSPENDED TEEN GETS 'VAGUE' RESPONSE

A 15-year-old's demand for an apology from his school after he was
suspended because a police dog smelled marijuana on his jacket has resulted
in a "vague" letter from the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board.

"First, Chris was confused because of the suspension, and now I'm confused
by this letter," said the boy's father, Michel Laurin. "I'm leery of some
of the wording, so I want to go over it with Mr. Greenspon."

Mr. Laurin will speak with his lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, this morning to
discuss what their next step should be: accept the board's terms, or pursue
another course of action. Last week, Mr. Laurin said he would be willing to
take the matter to court if he was not satisfied with the board's reaction.

Mr. Greenspon is expected to announce their response to the board's letter
at a press conference today.

Chris, a Grade 10 student at St. Matthew High School in Orleans, was
suspended after an impromptu drug search at his school last week. A police
dog identified the scent of marijuana on his jacket, and although no human
could smell it, Chris was suspended for two days.

The teen's case launched a national debate about how far school officials
should be allowed to go under the new "zero tolerance" Safe Schools Act,
which prescribes tough punishments for drug or weapons offences in schools.

Chris and his father wanted the board to apologize and remove the
suspension from the teen's record. Mr. Laurin, who fully supports his son's
battle with the board, appealed Chris's suspension last week.

"I don't know if this will continue or not," said Mr. Laurin, who has had
to take several days off work to help his son fight the suspension.

"I'm just trying to do the right thing for Chris."