Mom sues school over suspension of son for creative project
- A Missouri middle school student was suspended for posting a photo on Snapchat of his artistic Dr. Pepper can rifle.
- His mother is suing the school district for violating her son's right to free expression.
- This case raises concerns about schools enforcing their authority over off-campus speech and creativity.
In Missouri, a 13-year-old student, W.G., was suspended after posting a creative project on Snapchat where he arranged Dr. Pepper cans to resemble a rifle. This incident sparked controversy as the photo was shared off-campus and not directly related to any school activities. In light of concern from parents and school officials following the post, W.G. faced disciplinary action despite the school's admission that there was no credible evidence of danger. As a result, W.G. and his mother, Riley Grunden, decided to take legal action against the Mountain View-Birch Tree R-III School District. They argue that the school's response infringed upon W.G.'s rights to free speech protected by the First Amendment and Missouri state law, which grants individuals the right to communicate freely. The lawsuit, backed by the Goldwater Institute, highlights the ongoing debate over how schools manage off-campus speech in an age driven by social media, particularly when it comes to artistic expression. The superintendent of the school district explained that they took action due to perceived fears and safety concerns from parents, even though the school did not find any evidence of threats. The case raises important questions about the limits of school authorities in policing students' online behavior, especially when those actions do not occur on school premises or during school hours.