Scissors Get Suspension for 3rd-Grader - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

By Julie Straw
julie@wlbt.net

An eight-year-old Hinds County student is suspended for bringing a manicure tool to class.  Her mother says the district's zero tolerance policy has gone too far and she called WLBT for help. 

Cuticle scissors, with blades less than an inch long, are what is keeping Jalisa Mosley from her third-grade class.  Jalisa brought the manicure tool to Bolton-Edwards Elementary school to use as scissors.

An assistant principal saw her using the cuticle scissors to open a snack.  Jalisa now faces a two day suspension for bringing a weapon to school. 

"I think that is extreme. I think that is sending someone to the electric chair of stealing a piece of bubble gum," said Chalonda Mosely, Jalisa's mother.

Mosley says the school is not looking out for her daughter's best interest.  Jalisa had missed a week of school for dental surgery and Mosley does not want her to fall behind.  "You can't tell me that suspending a kid for two days out of the classroom for something that she thought was a school supply is going to be best for her," said Mosely.

Hinds County School Superintendent Dr. Stephen Handley would not discuss the situation because of privacy rights.  He referred me to the district's policy handbook.  It states; "Possession by a student of any object, regardless of its original purpose, that may be considered a weapon.  Shall be considered in violation of this policy.  Suspension and/or other recommendation for expulsion for the violation shall be directed by the principal."

The suspension is the first mark on Jalisa's disciplinary record.  Mosley fears possesion of a weapon will follow Jalisa through her academic career.  "I just want to make sure the punishment fit the crime that all I am asking Hinds County for," said Mosely.

Mosley says she will appeal the suspension to the school board in hopes of removing it from her daughter's disciplinary record.