Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jun 2007
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2007 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Harry Sawchuk
Bookmark: 
http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Bong+Hits+4+Jesus 
(Bong Hits 4 Jesus)

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 
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman