TALKING ABOUT DRUGS SHOULDN'T BE A CRIME

As a Grade 10 student I have been carefully following the story about
Kieran King's suspension by his school principal, after he was heard
discussing the health effects of marijuana with friends. Having taken
the Career And Life Management course in school, my entire grade had
to create and present projects on all manner of drugs, their side
effects and relative health risks. These projects were all required
by the school, and none of us got in trouble for saying "drug A is
less dangerous than drug B."

Surely educating fellow classmates about the properties of various
drugs shouldn't be considered a crime. Wouldn't more education lead
to higher awareness, and therefore safety when it comes to illicit
drug use? This example of censorship and extreme overreaction makes
me wonder what else the school's principal is doing to crush the
ideals of free speech and enlightened debate within her captive audience.

I am sorry that Kieran's innocent thirst for knowledge results in him
being punished. Had I been studying at Parkland School, I would have
been outside, marching right along with him.

Harry Sawchuk

Calgary