MONUMENT, Colo. (CBS4) – She says she was just trying to help a friend, but now two students from Monument face expulsion after one loaned another her asthma inhaler.



The girls told CBS4 that even though they are facing stiff consequences, they’d do it all over again.

“I thought I was having and asthma attack and she’s seen people have asthma attacks,” Crites said. “So she thought I was having one too and she was worried. She’s like, ‘Just use this, it will help you.’ ”

Crites suffered an allergic reaction to the inhaler and had to visit the school nurse. The principal found out what happened and suspended both girls.

The principal sent a letter home to McKinney’s parents.

“I’m extending the suspension for five more days … and recommending expulsion from the Lewis-Palmer School District,” the letter stated.

The letter claims the students violated the school’s drug policy.

“The inhaler is actually a prescription drug,” the Lewis-Palmer School District superintendent said.

The superintendent wants the students to learn from the incident.

“They could have an adverse side-effect that they’ve never thought about,” he said. “I think, absolutely, the suspension is appropriate.”

“I would never give someone a medication and risk them dying,” McKinney said.

Crites doesn’t have asthma.

Students and parents believe McKinney did the right thing by trying to help her classmate. They don’t think the punishment is fair.

“It’s not like they were maliciously doing it. She was in a panic, her friend thought that it was an asthmatic attack, and so they did it,” Crites’ mother said.

“I missed high school registration. I’m missing out on all of this because I tried to help someone,” McKinney said.

The superintendent said the expulsion will be determined when school officials get all the details.

Comments (371)
  1. Drug Dealer says:

    Umm,,, You DID give someone a medication and they DID risk dying from you giving it to them. There’s a reason that it is a PRESCRIPTION only medication. So just saying that shows how flawed your thought process is.

    Those rules are in place for a reason. And there is both school nurses and Paramedics available with the right education and the right medication.

    Why is this so hard to understand? Are there some prescription medications that would be worthy or a suspension? I guess it’s a good thing that some other student didn’t try to fix the allergic reaction using their prescription Epi-Pen!

    1. CommentsAreSilly says:

      Looks like someone has never been in 8th grade before..LOL

      1. BadPenny says:

        I wish I could thumbs up you on that one! Great line!

      2. Mike says:


      3. Brian Cunningham says:

        Or spent three years in eighth grade.

      4. Tom in NY says:

        Sounds like the person in question never made it that far.

      5. Rick says:

        Every time I had to go to the middle school for my kids, I could “feel” the drama oozing from it.

      6. Gibbs Bentley says:

        Just another reason to get your children out the government camps that are run by mentally deficient morons. These degenerates are paid with your wealth that is extracted through taxation with the threat of deadly force if you don’t play their inflated, undeserved salaries.

      7. Kurt says:

        This should be a learniing experiance. Not a suspension. I am sure that neither girls thaught any harm just wanted to help. I know they were prescription drugs and you should not share you drugs with anyone. However, I am not a drug user and I have used a pill or two from a trusted individual. Was it right maybe not. However at the time it helped untill I went to my doctor. I believe the priinciple was wrong. I bet he has Nazi uniform hidden in the closet. Hopefully someone or a group takes him outside and teach him a lession. Iam sure he was not perfect when he was that age. We all did wrong when we were at that age
        and learned from the experance. Maybe he didnt maybe he walks on water.
        Sure hope eh sees that e-mail

    2. Frank says:

      You can purchase the inhalers over the counter without a prescription. The principal is an ID10T.

      1. Perrin Ehlinger says:

        No, you can’t. The only otc asthma inhaler was Primatene Mist, which the EPA outlawed for using Ozone damaging propellants and sales ended in December of 2011.

      2. john says:

        This was not one of those over the counter inhalers, it was a prescription inhaler. Also, Crites did not have asthma. She was probably really winded, and her friend decided to practice medicine without a license, and gave her a prescription strength inhaler, and ended up causing her to suffer an allergic reaction. You could face criminal charges for something like that. I think the principal’s actions are warranted.

      3. LTCB says:

        Frank, like the comment. John below, you’re an ______ (fill in the blank). Doctors are only “practicing medicine” themselves. NONE of them has much more of a clue about your body and it’s functions than you. That’s why they have to ask so many questions. THEY DON’T KNOW. There are “statistics” about treatments and medicines and doctors kill people EVERY DAY. So, don’t give anyone the garbage about “practicing medicine without a license”. You do that every day if you do ANYTHING for yor health. Prescription drugs do have interactions. BUT, even your beloved doctors mess that up frequently. Suspension is not call for. An educational assembly for the WHOLE SCHOOL would be more appropriate.

      4. Larry Stimely says:

        It’s been my experience that most of the people in college to get degrees in Education are there because they’re either lazy or simply not intellectually sharp enough to do anything else. I know that was the case twenty five years ago when I was in college and I’m sure things are at least that bad today.

        I’ve NEVER known an educrat who held a Certified Flight Instructor rating. I’ve known plenty of engineering, hard sciences, math and management folks who had one but NEVER an Ed major. They’re slow, weak, plodding…doing a job no one else wants to do in an intellectual ghetto.

        I’m sure they’re not all dumb as bricks but boy…my own personal experiences plus what I’ve read here makes me wonder.

      5. Tadhg O'Seaghdha says:

        @Larry Stimely

        RIGHT ON, BROHEIM! Check the stats for any school of “Edumacation:” around the country and you’ll find an overwhelming correlation between Ed majors and the lowest quintile of the student body GPA. And very few of them start in the School of Ed, most wash out of Arts and Sciences. When you can’t hack being a history or English major….

        And, of course, the fact that this was a unionized, gubmint school. They put union morons in charge of teachers that ride to school on the short bus and they wonder why the US has such low math and science scores. Sheesh.

      6. Sheri says:

        I’m a pharmacist and I think the punishment is excessive. If either of those girls were my child I would withdraw them and get them into a homeschool program asap. Stupidity like this, along with underperformance, is why some of us have long ago taken our children out of the public schools.

      7. rickyrico says:

        No you can’t. Albuterol is prescription only. The OTC inhaler, which was pure ephinepherine, was removed due to its danger.

    3. nobama says:

      Dying from an inhaler?}
      What drugs have you been taking?

      1. John Herbster says:

        Yes, people die from inhalers.

        I’m not saying that I agree in any way, shape, or form with suspending these girls. I just wanted to point out that this does happen.

      2. Dave says:

        The article linked is in respect to long-term increase of death with the use of long-term asthma medication, not a rescue inhaler. This impacts only asthmatics who have to decide what preventative medication to take.
        Honestly, I even doubt the reaction was allergic, she probably had her heart beating fast and was worried something else was happening and felt she should tell the nurse about the inhaler just in case.
        Regardless, the focus of the punishment should be education and learning from poor decisions. Restricting children from education for immature decision making seems counterintuitive.

      3. John Moser says:

        If someone had an actual allergic reaction to an inhalant, they would be dead. Allergic is like addicted…imbeciles(often media types) use it without really knowing what it means.

      4. Brian says:

        The increase in deaths with Salmeterol is because the drug is too good at it’s job- it hides the symptoms of asthma extremely well, but doesn’t prevent progression of the disease. Thus when you miss a dose and have an attack, it’s much worse than you expect, and can be lethal. It’s still used, and is an excellent medication, but now you’re required to use steroids in conjunction with it to help prevent progression.

        As to her having an allergic reaction, sure, it’s possible, and if it happened it could potentially be lethal. But so could an asthma attack, much more commonly. Asthma is so prevalent that most people don’t regard it as a danger, but without prompt treatment it can be very lethal, very fast.

        Expelling these girls because of one of them did what she thought necessary to save the other’s life, regardless of whether there was any real risk, is absurd. Sure, some prescription drugs are abused. Rescue inhalers are not among them. There is a tremendous difference between oxycontin or valium and levalbuterol or beclomethasone. Besides that, possession or use of a prescription medication without having a prescription is not actually illegal. The only limitation on prescription medications is their sale.

        Just because a drug is Rx-only does not mean it is a scheduled substance, (the use of which without a prescription IS illegal) and in fact, the common asthma medications are not scheduled. Why? Because steroids and beta agonists, while quite effective at stopping an asthma attack, aren’t that pleasant to use. So it’s no different in essence than if the girl had shared some aspirin- which incidentally can also cause allergic reactions. Admittedly, some schools prohibit even that, but not to the point of expulsion.

        Basically, this is absurd.

        Now as Mr. Moser’s comment. Yes, people way overuse the term “allergic reaction.” Most folks aren’t “allergic” to dairy, they just can’t digest it. But having an allergic reaction doesn’t mean you die- there varying levels of severity. Everything from getting a runny nose around cats, to going into shock (and yes, perhaps dying) after eating a peanut. She may, or may not, have had an allergic reaction. Who knows. Bottom line is, she was being a good samaritan and doing the right thing. She broke no laws. So have a talk with them, and put them back in class. Expulsion is for kids selling heroin, or giving freshmen swirlies. Not for someone doing the right thing.

        Oh- and I’m a medical student, so yes- I do know what I’m talking about.

      5. craig says:

        It is no joke, inhalers have some pretty potent drugs, and there are many kinds. The girls made a very big mistake, the length of the suspensions is too much though.

      6. faceOfReason says:

        If I were pushed into a corner as these students and parents are, I would sue the PE teacher AND the principal for not providing enough supervision to notice that a student in their care was having respiratory problems. Another thing to consider, the asthmatic student has probably been trained to use her inhaler as a “rescue” inhaler, which is what she was trying to do when helping her friend. There is no crime here except for the fact that there was not nearly enough supervision in the class in the first place.

    4. Japes Macfarland says:

      Ummm…. but common sense says that you tell the child her friend’s inhaler has prescription stuff in it that can hurt you so don’t do it again. Also, go to the doctor to find out if you have asthma, and the parents and teachers talk with the girl who shared it about how specific her meds are and that they can hurt others, and that even though she was trying to help her friend she can’t do this again.
      It is you leftists and your disgusting value system that would expel these girls. There is NO wisdom on the Left. None.

      “The bigger the government the smaller the citizen.”
      Dennis Prager

      1. inverbrass says:

        At last, someone with common sense. Obviously not a liberal.

      2. Nik Boldrini says:

        Right you are!

      3. tumay says:

        Something Ron Paul would have done if he was the principal.

      4. zadat says:

        No, it’s this war on drugs designed by conservatives that have escalated this issue into nonsense.

    5. Mooy says:

      What are you not getting about a panicky 8th grade girl?

      How about a warning for first offense.

      People like you make excellent fascists.

    6. Bella says:

      Yeh, to heck with common sense!!!!

    7. Thought Recon says:

      First, “Ummm” makes you sound like an idi0t. Second, Asthma is deadly so given the two possible choices of possibly watching a friend suffocate or at least TRY a medication that is used to keep that from happening, your logic is to just let them suffocate. Lastly, reeeelax man, go have a beer and get a piece. It’ll take that edge off.

    8. baron of gray matter says:

      You’re a moonbat.

    9. Mark says:

      Breaking the rules wihtout malicoius intent does not warrent draconian punishment.

      there is no indication these girls are problem or troubled kids needing some sort of intervention. Why the severe punishment without due process?

      There is every bit of evidance this adminstrator is making an example simply because he can. the girls did go to the nurse in effect creating a confesson which gave him an “easy” target. I suspect there is all kinds of wrong going on at this school, it’ just these girls gave him an easy “example”

      I tell my kids over and over, do not invite the authorities in to your buisness these days if you can help it, YOU NEVER KNOW where it will go since LEO’s, school admins, teachers, social workers are all working hard to make criminals out of everyone it seems.

    10. Elizabeth Conley says:

      At least the child isn’t apathetic, lacking in initiative or indifferent to the suffering of her peers.

      Yes, she made a mistake, but her mistake highlights her basic good character. A good role model for adolescents would recognize that a stern warning of the risks inherent in sharing prescription medications was sufficient.

      Zero tolerance is leading to zero intelligence. It shows the low character and poor judgment of the school’s “leadership.”

      1. macou says:

        Very good comment.Zero tolerance has led to zero brains. Educators are one of the main problems with our society.

      2. TT says:

        Yes! God forbid we actually have a “teaching moment” in school! They are children and this is why they have supervision at this stage. Isn’t that what we are supposed to do? Teach these kids how to be critical thinkers?

    11. BadPenny says:

      And she could have risk dying without it had she been having an asthma attack. Just because she “didn’t have asthma” doesn’t mean she can’t develop it at any time! There are a lot of causes of asthma that can caused sudden onset. Poorly air circulated school heating/cooling systems can be an asthma trigger in itself!

      Suspending these girls and possibly expelling them is just plain asinine! Explaining to them what they did wrong and what could happen would be far more appropriate! Had it been the other way around and the child was having an asthma attack and the second child did nothing, you would be calling for her to be charged with murder! You liberals are mentally deficient!

    12. Newbern W Johnson says:

      Right. It was definitely an error on the part of the girl who offered the use of her inhaler to a friend whom she thought was having an asthma attack.
      How dare she try to practice medicine. She’s in the eighth grade for petes sake. She’s SUPPOSED to exercise mature judgement, not act like a scared kid.
      She should be punished big time. Absolutely. Lets destroy her life because she didn’t act like an adult.
      That’ll teach her!

    13. rjames says:

      Writing as the parent of a child with asthma, it’s unlikely someone would die of an asthma attack (especially a kid who is NOT asthmatic) if the school has a nurse or can make a 911 call.

      But, what would the parents do if their kid died from using someone else’s prescription medication? They would sue the school system for not controlling the other kid’s use of the medication, and they would probably win. In fact, I would bet the asthmatic girl was only allowed to carry the inhaler on the condition that only she could use it. The punishment seems too harsh to me, but this was not an insignificant action by these girls.

      1. Chuck Pelto says:

        TO: rjames
        RE: Sooooo…..

        But, what would the parents do if their kid died from using someone else’s prescription medication? — rjames

        …what is the probability of THAT happening?

        Compare and contrast against the probability of death from no one doing ANYTHING to help someone having such an attack.

        I eagerly look forward to your reply.


        [Risk analysis is essential to every threat.]

      2. the other side of the story says:

        the girl was not having an asthma attack. she’s not an asmathic. the parents are lying and not half the story is being told. what a farce.

    14. Mary says:

      Tough one! My daughter had exercised induced asthma. If she were turning blue before the coach could get a medic to her, I would have thought this ‘sharer’ was a heroine.
      BUT the variable that the receiver had an allergic reaction makes it a difficult decision.
      I would give the students a warning and not a lengthy expulsion

    15. Skip Cook says:

      Likely said by someone who has never taken a risk in their life! Good little Plebe.

    16. DanielH says:

      Do you really think this is worth ruining two people’s lives over?

    17. None of Yourbusiness says:

      Hey Dumba$$, ever hear about “Good Samaritan’s”? Look it up. The girl was only trying to help her friend who was in distress. Obviously she didn’t know about diffferent medications to treat asthma. To her asthma was asthma, so she tried to help.
      The principle should use better judegment and discretion in vetting out “punishment”.

      1. USArmyCombatMedic says:

        Actually the Good Samaritan’s Law doesn’t apply here, since sharing prescribed medication is a crime – technically…

        But I agree the punishment doesn’t fit the offense. A 1 or 2 day suspension will serve to remind her not to do that, and won’t ruin her studies either. She was only trying to help her friend, after all.

      2. Brian says:

        No, actually it isn’t. Buying or selling without a prescription is illegal. Possession or use is not. Only scheduled medications (like ritalin, morphine, or modafinil) are illegal to possess without a script.

    18. LTCB says:

      Hope you don’t have a kid die from Asthma any time soon. It would be a rough lesson for you but, hey, then no one would be “breaking the rules”. You’re one of the clones that love government and think they’re the solution for reason and thought. Yes, someone could have a reaction to a medication. They could also DIE without the medication. So, if the option is to watch your friend die, I’d say we would not be friends for long. When someone is actually trying to help, however poorly that help is administered, the intent should be considered. Some retraining for both students in drug interactions and dangers would have been more appropriate than a suspension. If I was this young lady’s dad, I wouldn’t LET her attend a nanny-state operated school like this. Next time you’re drowning, I won’t throw you a log to hold on to. It isn’t “Coast Guard Approved” as a flotation device so, you MIGHT not be saved by it.

      1. USArmyCombatMedic says:

        Well said. I like the analogy:


      2. None of Yourbusiness says:

        LCTB, well said. You got my point.Army Medic, I know your point re prescription drugs, but you missed the point. They are 8th graiders. They don’t have the level of training and knowledge you do. All she saw was her friend in trouble and tired to be a “good smaritan”. LCTB hit the nail on the head, intent. These weren’t 2 girls trying to get over on the drug policy. She was legitimately trying to help her friend in distress.
        A much more appropriate “punishment” if you will is NOT a 10 day suspension for the 2 girls but an education for the whole class.Tha would put the school on solid ground, but more importantly, teach all the students the proper way to assist someone in distress.
        Regardless, the principal is a complete tool.

    19. GregB says:

      You’d make a really good concentration camp guard.

    20. trollkiller says:

      she was trying to save her friends life, for Gods sake…narrow minded myopic bureaucrats like you and these school personnel are Kafkaesque caricatures, nothing more

    21. kishke says:

      What kind of moron begins a comment with “Ummm?” The kind who believes it’s okay to expel these two girls. What an idiot.

    22. Andrew P. says:

      I would say sharing your OxyContin should be punishable by suspension. Sharing with criminal intent (not to get well, only to get high) should be expulsion.

      2 Girls sharing asthma inhaler because they thought it was the right thing to do, 2-day suspension. They will remember it’s wrong, and that’s that. No need for this extensive punishment.

      What would have happened if the girl had recovered due to the meds? The other would be praised for her “quick thinking”. This shouldn’t be the crisis it is. How sad.

    23. 5thcommjarhead says:

      Yeah 8th graders are known for their profound thought processes. An expulsion will destroy their futures. But well deserved right, because they demonstrated “flawed thinking”.

    24. sag says:

      Very true but it’s not worthy of expulsion. Good grief!!

    25. NCchik says:

      Did risk dying is pretty extreme, don’t you think. The article said the other student had an allergic reaction….could be mild for all we know. And that’s half the problem, people so ready and willing to criticize a young girl for doing something she thought would help. Had it been a real asthma attack and the friend gave her a glass of water, would that meet with your approval instead? Lighten up. They’re kids.

    26. Reverend Richard says:

      Well heck, rules are rules, why not send them both to jail for 20 years each, that will learn them!

    27. NoMoreRX says:

      An asthma inhaler should not be a PRESCRIPTION drug in the first place. Would you rather the girl risk ketting the other one DIE, so that she would not get in TROUBLE?

    28. f the principal says:

      she should shove the inhaler up the principals butt and watch him suffer and die from it.

      1. englanddg says:

        Nah…if she shoved it up there he might find he breathes easier.

    29. arguethefacts says:

      The epi-en would have worked. An inhaler has epinephrin and so does an EPI pen? Show that you don’t know what you’re talking about. I have asthma and have an inhaler and an epi-pen.

      Those who follow the rules blindly are called Republicans who like the rulers to tell them what to do, and they don’t want to think for themselves.

      If you are having a major asthma attack you have about five minutes until you’re dead. It might take 3-4 minutes for someone to go get the school nurse, for her/him to get there.

      Hold your breath for five minutes and see how you feel about 2 1/2 minutes. A person having an asthma attack cannot breath. A puff on an inhaler provides instant relief (an epi-pen maybe a few second longer).

      Obviously the person with the inhaler had asthma too an knew what to do.

      I don’t want people who bow down to authority to be protecting me. They don’t think outside the box. It’s by the rulebook or nothing. People die in those instances.

    30. SAG says:

      You are an idiot. Go occupy something…………

    31. Doubltap says:

      Typical thought process of a communitarian tool, liberal POS.

    32. skoch says:

      Drug Dealer,

      Get back to the back alleys where you belong. An eitghth grader is 13-14. A prime target for bacxk ally deals. But a 14 year old panicing and trying everything they could to save a girl friend. (After all her personal experience, as an asthmatic was when you can’t breath, you use the inhailer.

      Your attitude is exactly why when witnesses refused to take the effort to help someone in need. They are afraid they will be punished, either by the fascist authorities, or an ambulance chasing attorney.

      People like you hear a woman screaming rape…and close the window so you won’t have to hear her.

      Hit the bricks, and don’t you come back no more no more.

    33. Ed Taylor says:

      OMG! Schoo; officials are becoming such idiots!

      The kids got an expulsion, but the Principal & Superintendant are bumbling fools worthy of ridicule. They have no place near kids, because they do not know how to deal with them.

      I believe the voters in this school district should demand the Principal & Superintendant be fired. If the school board refiuses, then vote them out of office.

      This is a prime example of what happens when liberals take over schools.

      Kick their sorry butts to the curb!!!!!!

    34. Tom Kirkman says:

      Colorado has a good samaritan laws. This should fall under that law, which means that the suspension and possible expulsion are illegal.

    35. Bobby says:

      They are 8th graders! We had an unofficial pot smoking area and an official tobacco smoking area at our 8th grade school. Seems we were a bit more tolerant and enlightened in south Alabama in the 1970s than these idiot yankee school marms are today.

    36. englanddg says:

      “Alyssa McKinney thought her friend, Breana Crites, was having an asthma attack during gym class.”

      Where was the teacher?

      1. MaggieMoo says:

        THAT is the exact question that should be being shouted to the rooftops in this case. Forget the girls – one thought her friend was is such distress that she felt moved to try to save her life. Even if the actions weren’t the correct ones, good for her for her quick thinking and compassionate nature. The REAL question that the school district is doing an excellent job detracting from is where was the gym teacher that they didn’t notice a student was in such a condition to begin with? The best things these kids parents could do at this point is threaten a negligance lawsuit, agreeing to drop it if the suspensions are dropped as well. I’m not a fan of lawsuits but the threat of one, which brings the attention to the real issue, should be enough to knock some sense into the administration.

    37. JamesTk says:

      “There’s a reason that it is a PRESCRIPTION only medication.” Try finding and buying Primatene mist in the coming year.

      Oh most definitely, to keep costs high and drug companies rich. Try shopping for . oops,

    38. Mark Mangus Sr says:

      You sound like a principal that can’t exercise common sense.

    39. Claudia Pieroni says:

      An EXPULSION? What kind of a moron are you? This is a typical knee jerk liberal mindset reaction to what was an innocent well meaning attempt to help a person in distress. That is why some states have the GOOD SMARATAN law. It is designed to remove the fear of being unjustly punished when your intent was to do good in a medical situation. I am soooo fed up with the stupid mindset of these so called educators in our society.

    40. Mark says:

      You are a moron.

    41. Stevens says:

      Where was the school to come to this girls (having the asthma attacxk) rescue, if in fact the prima teem mist was priscription and the school was unprepared should not the liability lie on the school for not being prepared?

    42. Rico says:

      Right, so the only responsible thing to do was to EXPEL – not merely suspend – the girls from school. Now, it’s off to “alternative school” or god knows where, so they can begin their education in how to negotiate life in the jungle after you have been blacklisted from mainstream society. Wow, this is exactly the kind of professional educator I would want to make a sacrificial example of my kids, in hopes of scaring someone else’s kids straight. Enjoy your new life girls and let that be a lesson for you.

    43. Brett Hatfield says:

      this is total BS. I would pound that principal to a ref stoppage. They will be getting an earful. Fire all those ass holes. Did you see the snug look on his face??

    44. John Clark says:

      B.S. Those rules are in place because no one in administration and teaching wants to use the little thing called COMMON SENSE. Sounds like you are in that some boat.

    45. dumbscoo says:


      Most school shootings the kids were on prescription drugs like columbine.

      That issue never get raised.

    46. Airmail56 says:

      Explain your silly point of view to the parents of a dead child.

    47. Wayne Hall says:

      Rules are in place to help guide our decisions. So, don’t break the rules to save a life? There is this thing between your ears, it is called a brain.

      Rules can not cover every situation, and if you thing always following the rules is the right thing to do then you are choosing to be stupid. If you ignore intent, and the situation, and only look at the rule you fail to think in anything that is a resonable way.

      If schools can’t reason, then how can they teach it?

      This kind of thinking make a big case for home schooling!

    48. Keith Aitken says:

      Just call or email the Superinedent & ask him to change his mind….Superintendent of Schools Borman, John 719-785-4200

    49. Geo says:

      This should have been a teachable moment for the 8th grade. Instead it has become a teachable moment for the parents in that school district. Your district is being run by an administrator that is more concerned about legal liability then your children’s education.

      1. rickyrico says:

        That sounds right to me.

    50. KW-37 says:

      Inhalers can be bought over the counter now. They are about as dangerous as tylenol.

      What’s next? Suspend a kid for sharing her PB&J sandwhich with someone allergic to penut butter?

    51. John Fox says:

      It’s not the school’s job you idiot. It’s the parent’s job. Let the parents decide what punishment is necessary. That’s the problem with all of the liberals out there, they want the government to raise their kids so they don’t have the messy problem of doing it themselves.

    52. Erik Weiss says:

      you have got to be a liberal, expecting the authorities to be the only ones to help. You have obviously never had an asthma attack. When people are in need, you help them. This wasn’t 2 kids sharing designer drugs, it was a medical condition. What should she have done, let her friend suffer? She took action, good for her, the principal should have simpy talked to her about the risks, but expulsion? Really?

    53. bob says:

      ya so what its a prescription drug and guess what inhalers cant kill you wow. In fact, some high-intensity runners who don’t have asthma use it after they run because it decreases lung inflammation. and no kid should ever be expelled for something this stupid. good luck getting into a good school with that on your record. and DRUG DEALER your the problem with America not everything is so black and white its more complicated. you need to learn your Facts and so back to staring in your neighbors window. CREEP

    54. ElegantErica says:

      Agreed. How DARE these girls and their parents not realize the EXTREME RISK of their actions and then DEFEND those actions.

    55. Michael says:

      You’re a damn fool. And from the sounds of it, you are probably one of the ‘zero-tolerance’ union progressives. Of course there should be something done but a suspension?! Come on now! Because of laws/policies like this one and people who think like you do, we now have reached a point where from a legal stand point, it is better to stand by and watch someone, suffer, get hurt or even die than to get involved for fear of litigation and/or punishment. This is what the left thinks is utopia?! Compassion for your fellow man has been legislated out of existance….thanks for ‘caring’ so much liberal America!

    56. tnmccoy says:

      In this case, apparently you’d have been happier if the child died without quick help—even if it wasn’t needed as determined by later, cooler adult heads. Too bad you can’t accept a well-intentioned young girl in a stressful situation. It’s not as if she was sharing pills.

    57. darth says:

      Umm… you are a moron. Where did you get the risk of dying out of the story. She had a reaction- most likely not an allergic one and the media just got it wrong- because if it was an allergy she would have had to visit the hospital, by ambulance, and not the school nurse. And guess what, had she gone to the hospital with asthma symptoms they would have treated her with… drum roll please…. Albuterol, the same thing that is in the inhaler.

    58. Daisy says:

      School nurses and paramedics have ‘the right education and the right medication’?! Ha!!! In fact, hahahahahahahahaha …..

      The girl w/asthma understands that an untreated asthmatic attack can be lethal. As such, she behaved far sensibly than the reactive school adminstrators. BTW, why wasn’t the gym teacher doing anything for the student? And who determined that the other girl had an ‘allergic reaction’ to the inhaler? Sounds bogus.

    59. Darrick Duran says:

      Malicious intent? Probably not, Well intended, probably yes. A real medical risk?… Minimal, probably .001 or 1/1000 of a risk of complication. The student should be advised to leave it to the school responders next time. but to laud her for her efforts to help another, I bet Drug Dealer is also a liberal.

    60. patrick says:

      Expulsion is not the answer to this issue. Do you really think the child should be expelled from school over it? It’s not like the child won’t end up at another public school (or a private school) – so what could have been a teaching moment where both parents and students see the PhD’s the administrators have in proper action, instead becomes another reason to distrust school officials and their lack of critical thinking…

      The suspension and education was sufficient – the expulsion is just overplaying authority

    61. lizzie says:

      OK she saved her life and they have proof. They went to a doctor and he said that her not being able to breath was WORSE than the allergic reaction to the inhaler so try to mold that into a bad story.

  2. JT says:

    As a parent of an asthmatic, who almost got suspended for carrying his own inhaler in a different school district, I am shocked at the severity of the consequences in this case. I know that often in the schools that my son had attended the “nurse” who was not a nurse at all but usually a medical assistant or such was rarely even in the health office. In the event of a severe asthma attack a child dependent on a rescue inhaler might not have time for the office staff to track down the person with the keys to the med cabinet or an ambulance to arrive. Since neither girl required emergency treatment this just seems a bit over the top to me.

    1. Mooy says:

      School administrators are low grade morons who get the job because they are high up in the union crony structure. I’ve dealt with many of them via the PTA, and you find yourself slowing down how fast you talk to them.and using smaller words because you can see in their dead, blank eyes than can’t comprehend anything. Where do you think ‘zero tolerance” rules started here? Zero tolerance is code for “I don’t have to exercise a single brain cell in making a judgment call.”

      The folks in charge of the education system, and especially the unions, need to be dragged into the street and sent packing. Open revolt is the only solution now.

      1. Japes Macfarland says:

        I agree, by the DOE or the Left educating our kids for the last 40+ years, is how we’ve got such trouble and ignorance in this country. The Left is a scourge on humanity.

      2. Rico says:

        Absolutely! Zero Tolerance is code talk for Lacking in Critical Judment Skills. Zero Tolerance policies were put into place to protect so-called professional educators from ever having to make a judgment call. Zero Tolerance in practice resembles some bad Monty Python medieval judge skit where the punishment for any and all petty misdemeanors is “off with their ‘ead.”

      3. Brett Hatfield says:

        well said man!

      4. John Clark says:

        School administrators these days do not have a bit of Common Sense. It’s surgically removed when they take they position.

    2. LTCB says:

      JT, Amen to what you’ve said. This is the sort of garbage that causes reasonable parents to remove their kids from “public” education.

    3. NCchik says:

      Well put JT. The school administrators are “acting stupidly” to quote our president.

  3. D says:

    The problem with your way of thinking creates a society of people who sit there and watch a car wreck and refuse to get involved because someone somewhere says it’s dangerous. There’s consequences for everything and people don’t learn unless they try. Anyways, I looked up the possible issues (you claim can be death) from a reaction and some can be dangerous like high blood pressure but nothing as deadly as you’re trying to make it seem. Fear shouldn’t be the reason to watch someone die.

    This is an opportunity to TEACH… you know at a SCHOOL that’s supposed to be for TEACHING not smack people for doing something they thought was in their better judgement. All this kind of punishment means is students will be less likely to do anything but be subservient slaves to the laws- no matter how stupid the law. (not that this one is stupid but this kind of punishment is stupid use it as an opportunity to teach)

    Yes there are nurses and paramedics… but you have to remember when you’re afraid for someones life you can’t always just sit back and pray someone gets there in time; sometimes taking action is necessary to save a life. People will always make a judgement call. That girl did if that call saved her friends life you’d be singing a different tune I’m sure.

    By the way not all “rules” are intelligent either. Like at my old school we couldn’t go to the library during lunch… well I never listened and sneaked past the guard every time… the GUARD.

    1. Ethan Case says:

      No we wouldn’t because there are school nurses and paramedics available, not to mention all gym teachers have first aid certifications. There were no shortage of adults who knew what they were doing who could have helped. It was terrible judgement, not good judgement being unfairly punished. Good judgement would be taking 10 seconds to walk over to the teacher and ask for help. This was reckless and impatient behavior.

      1. Matt Chappel says:

        “Good judgement would be taking 10 seconds to walk over to the teacher and ask for help.”

        Most public school teachers are idiots. I wouldn’t ask them for help if my life depended on it.

        Keep licking those boots though…

      2. Mike milgilicuddy says:

        Then where the f were these people???????????

      3. CB says:

        I had several asthma attacks at school in seventh grade and was not allowed to carry my inhaler with me and I had to get special written notes from my dr just to have it on school property. No one ever helped me during gym (teachers included) class when having an attack and even the school “nurse” questioned whether my attacks were real before calling my parents (more than 45 minutes after the attack started and was continuing) to bring my inhaler [my dr still hadn’t given me the note the school forced me to have]. I don’t condone giving prescription medications to people but I wonder about the response of the so called “responsible adults” around. Perhaps they weren’t paying attention or didn’t seem to care about whatever was going on which may have caused the person to panic. It doesn’t excuse the danger of what happened as a result of the allergic reaction but look at the age of the person. Most young people don’t sit and think of all the options when panic sets in, they just act and in this case, the intentions were good.

      4. rgard says:

        So the girl noticed her friend was in distress and the teacher had no clue.

      5. BadPenny says:

        Wrong, where was the teacher to begin with? Sounds like they should be investigating negligent teachers rather than harassing innocent children!

      6. Jimbo says:

        @Ethan Case- You’re stupid. I’ll also wager that you never suffered from an asthma attack.

      7. LTCB says:

        Sorry that you’re full of it. Not sure what district you’re in but, I’ve NEVER seen a school with more than ONE marginally qualified medical person who WAS NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE and certainly not everywhere that students might need them. It was not “terrible” judgement either. Death is more permanent than high blood pressure.

      8. trollkiller says:

        congrats on the most ignorant comment to date

      9. USArmyCombatMedic says:

        Let me explain something as a person in the medical field. I’m certified as an EMT-P (Paramedic), as well as military certifications. (I admit I’m not a doctor, for all of you who will undoubtedly point that out).

        Gym teachers’ “first aid certifications” don’t mean a thing. The class they take can be shortened to this:
        1) Dial 911
        2) Open Airway
        3) Check for breathing
        4) Check for circulation
        5) If necessary (and often when unnecessary), administer chest compression (usually not well enough to help)
        6) Call 911 again, ask why ambulance isn’t here yet
        7) Frantically read pamphlet that comes with First Aid Kit
        8) Call 911, hysterically demand an ambulance arrive immediately
        9) Finally remember something about administering rescue breaths
        10) Paramedics arrive and tell you “Great Job” (while thinking “This guy bruised this kid’s sternum for no reason. He’s asthmatic”).

        Sure, this behavior didn’t help, and instead only hurt her friend. But she didn’t know that. She was trying to help. Do you honestly believe a teacher is going to know exactly what to do for every medical emergency that may arise when dealing with children?

      10. Nice Try Handwringer Ethan says:

        No one is claiming the middle school girls used good judgment. People are generally incensed at the poor judgment being demonstrated by the supposed adults in charge of the girls. There is such a thing as proportionate punishment and from what I can see, expelling the girls from school is an overreaction that could ultimately harm the girls far more than the effects of a shared asthma inhaler. It’s smug little snivellers like you who would consign these girls to the oblivion of Alternative School without ever giving it another thought. And that’s what makes people like you a greater danger to society than a couple of eight graders sharing an asthma inhaler ever would be.

    2. NCchik says:

      Beautiful succinct response. Wonder if schools want critical thinkers or intimidated, obedient followers?

  4. JeanneLePieux says:

    D. Thanks, you said it better than I could have.

    Schools are not about educating anymore. They are all about making little robots who conform. Or Else.

  5. DH says:

    I agree with D. You TEACH what problems might arise if a person has a bad reaction to something. You DON’T teach them that if you try and save someone’s life you will have your life ruined by the school authorities (suspension and possible expulsion) . The principal and superintendent said they wanted to “teach them a lesson.” Well, they are just teaching them not to try to save anyone’s life.

    1. DannyN says:

      The teaching should be done by the parents, not the teachers. If the stupid parents would read the precauions on the medicine taken by their children, much pain, both mental and physical, could be averted. Stop putting everything on the shoulders of the teachers. Parents need to get off their lazy butts and fulfill their responsibilities.

      1. Frank says:

        Whe you are at school I darn well expect them to teach. Tell them to get off their rears and teach

      2. Linds says:

        A-freaking-MEN! Yes, teachers are hired to teach, but they’re teaching SCHOOL CURRICULUM, not behavior and common frikkin sense. That’s a PARENT’S job. This shows that parents have no idea what it means to be a parent any more.

        I actually agree with this response from the school district (shocking) because 1) the inhaler was specific prescription, and 2) the girl given the Rx inhaler came close to dying from it because of an allergic reaction (likely some sort of anaphylaxis, which can occur at any time in life). In this instance, it’s best to call medical authorities (or, as one mentioned, the PE teachers, who are CPR certified and would get in contact with the nurse or EMTs) and let them handle the situation. Yes, I’ve known people with asthma and have seen what it can do, I’ve even had asthma myself, but I’ve also suffered major allergic reactions to certain medicines that are -supposed- to help and had someone ever tried to give me medicine when I was in 8th grade I would a) ask if it’s prescription, and b) ask what it is, no matter what kind of reaction I was having to something. I’m actually highly allergic to one of the most common medicines around, benadryl (diphenhydramine) and will DIE if I come into contact with it, so if some panicky classmate tried to ‘help’ me with that in school, they would’ve killed me, like this classmate nearly did this girl.

        Kids need to understand medicine is DANGEROUS, and should only be administered in this kind of situation by a certified adult (nurse, EMT, etc). ESPECIALLY a prescription medication. How an 8th grader doesn’t understand that is beyond me. Parents need to parent better. Seriously.

  6. kthomp1123 says:

    This is ridiculous – expecting two 8th grader’s not to do something like this and then punishing them for being 8th graders. Look at what the war on drugs has brought us to….two girls who could have the next years of their lives ruined.
    My advice – home school and fight public school taxes.

    1. Jeffersonian Liberal says:

      Exactly. I’m tired of paying for a corrupt and ineffective system that has done more harm than good.

      Apropos of the article, a girl died here in Virginia on January 3rd due to an allergy. The public school declined to allow her and Epipen, and failed to administer Benadryl per the child’s “allergy action plan.” The school had the legal authority to act and chose not to do so.

      Of course, if the inhaler incident had resulted in death or grievous injury then the school would have been sued for not preventing a student from harming another student. That doesn’t mean that you teach children to be careful with medications by expelling them. It appears that by this act common sense has been expelled as well.

      Perhaps ceding to the Government our responsibility to provide an education for our children is not such a good idea after all.

    2. CNorm says:

      My grandaughter gave a friend at school a prescription pain killer when he hurt his back and was in severe pain, trying to be helpful. A school police officer saw her and she was arrested and sent to jail. She was later suspended from school, kicked off the cheerleading squad, and could not attend the senior prom. She had to graduate from a secondary school and now has a felony on her record. She is attending college now and cannot even get a part time job because of the felony. The police officer and school officials could have handled this with a simple trip to the principle’s office to explain the error in her judgement. Young people make mistakes and they don’t have to suffer the rest of their lifes because of bad decision.

    3. Ray Walker says:

      Expulsion is way too severe. Bringing this incident up in the school assembly would be appropriate . Both girls have learned a lesson and the student body has thereby been informed, a 5 day suspension seems all that should be done.
      Kids learn from mistakes. We don’t end their school days because of honest mistakes. Dumb over reaction.

    4. nut says:

      This isn’t the war on drugs. Be real this is over zealous school officials acting out of the letter of the law, because schools hacve been sued by parents seeking easy money. Don’t blame the war on drugs blame lawyers.

    5. Kevin says:

      Wow, the U.S. education system needs a revamp. Idiots are waisting their time and our money brining this case to a school board made of overpaid, old school educators. jeez

    6. Karen Sue Bond Prince says:

      I totally agree with you!! It never crossed their minds they were sharing a drug, they thinking like typical 8th graders! The school district is run by idiots!

    7. joe schmoe says:

      Just another government thug trying to teach us never to help each other. This girl did one of the possible right things given the perceived emergency. The only reason this is a problem is that she was under the supervision of the government when it happened.

      Move the scene to a public park where the girls were playing a sport. Now what? Suspend her from school? Throw her in jail?

    8. constitutionalAtty says:

      I agree the punishment is a ridiculous knee jerk reaction to a poor decision made by an eighth grader who was trying to do more than stand around during what she perceived as an emergency. I agree that it should probably be handled with an informational assembly of the whole school. Blaming it on the war on drugs not so bright, this is a result of an adult school official throwing away common sense and replacing it with the new politically correct response of extreme punishment for behavior the govt finds unacceptable. Shame on that supposed educator…shame.

    9. Kelly says:

      I’m sure the principal has no babies at home — BECAUSE SHE THROUGH THEM OUT WITH THE BATH WATER!!!!!
      I’m so glad I don’t have to put up with these bureaucrats that masquerade as educators. They’ve opted for stupidity instead of having a thought in their head.

    10. Iam A Spy says:

      This is just ALL BAD all around. This is a case where the people in charge of enforcing can decide to ignore policy. That’s if both parents agree that it was ok. Then cover your butt with a waver from the parents.

      Still the school is deathly afraid of getting sued. And they should be because the other parent could be those types that will sue over anything. So the reaction makes sense. They have to cover their butts to.

      Still …does the Good Samaritan Law is vague…the last time I read it over was in my Paramedics days and Fire FIghter days. That law is meant to protect people who come to the aid of others.

      That is what that friend of hers did…came to her aid. Waiting on medics and response teams when AIRWAY..>BREATHING and Circulation is an issue is bad. ABC’s the first responders learn…

      Well her friend was in distress and it happens to be Breathing …. If the actions saved her friends life….then the Good Samaritan Law should protect her.

    11. Don says:

      I’d hate to be in need of medical assistance and have the Super. be the only one present – – he’d probably let me die to maintain his “Political Correctness” standards.

    12. RI says:

      Our school district has a form that parent and student have to sign that outlines their responsibilities IF they are allowed to self-administer. IF they are responsible enough and have had all the other permission forms signed, (DR, Parent), that stated Dr. also recommends they self-administer and he signs that he has instructed her in technique also. One of the items on this student form says: “I will not allow other students to touch or hold my medication nor any of the supplies needed for taking the medication.” A form like this may help them in the future. Our district also can expell students if they have drugs in their posession. Parents and students must go through proper channels and follow proceedures.

  7. SuperDave says:

    Too many kids–and adults share medication and self-prescribe, THINKING they know what is wrong. Even if she was right, the medication has risks and needs a doctor’s supervision,.

    She did the wrong thing but for the right reason. Suspension is appropriate, but so is education of kids and parents alike.

    Expulsion is overkill. We are not talking about recreational use of drugs.


    why is my automatic reaction always,,,,,LIBERAL ELITIST DEMOCRAT

    1. trollkiller says:

      ….because you are a ignorant moron?

      1. B says:

        No, because he’s right.

  9. Coy860 says:

    IF the principal has a heart attack, no one but no one would be willing to give him a life saving aspirin.. Have to think about the rules you know.

    1. Ethan Case says:

      1. Aspirin isn’t perscription.
      2. There are many qualified adults around and available to give that principal the life-saving aid he needs. He wouldn’t have to rely on an 8th grader smuggling aspirin in to relieve his heart attack.

      1. jeff says:

        You are a genuis. Are you a teacher?

      2. rgard says:

        And where were all the qualified adults in the gym class?

      3. Brian says:

        And yet, aspirin can cause an allergic reaction. Use of scheduled drugs without a prescription is illegal. Technically, if it isn’t scheduled, you can use it however you want. You just can’t buy it without a scrip.

  10. Rupert Pupkin says:

    Wrong decision made by the students. Draconian punishment is unwarranted, however. Expulsion? Really?? Take note of the police state, it is growing ever so unwieldy, wouldn’t you say?

  11. Justin Denial says:

    Isn’t there still a Good Samaratin law?

  12. David Toney says:

    When are Americans going to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards stupidity in school administration?

    1. Lebek Johnson says:

      Just as soon as we adopt a zero tolerance policy for our elected officials.

  13. Matthew Dunnyveg says:

    If I were a public school student today, I would consider it an honor to get expelled. The most charitable thing I can say about public education is that it is a total waste of perfectly good time. Better to take the GED and head off to vocational school or college.

  14. The Worm Turned says:

    I’m affraid that this is a reaction to “zero tolerance” policies (on steroids, so to speak).

    “Zero tolerance” policies are a wrong solution to a problem. They are mandates to force the hands of enforcement entities (superintendants, principles, judges…), by effectively forcing a worst-case punishment on all. When did common sense and judgement become unused qualities? Let the principles, superintendants and judges actually judge. If they judge badly, remove them, but don’t make every small offense punishable like a big offense.

    Yes, the girl should not have shared her medication (it was dangerous). But, is the punished intended to “teach” about pharma dangers or to prevent trafficing of other “desireable” medications?

    These girls might deserve a day or two suspension and a letter in their file, but this punishment is draconian.

    1. Ethan Case says:

      On the contrary. A permanent black mark on their record is something too intangible for them to really understand, and won’t teach them anything. 10 days of suspension and no permanent damage to their record is ideal. They aren’t being permanently punished for bad, but well intentioned judgement in 8th grade, but are still, really, learning a valuable lesson.

      1. Sean says:

        No permanent punishment? You forgot the part where the school is attemping to expel them..

    2. Steve says:

      As I have taught my kids, “Zero Tolerance” means “Zero Intelligence.” These are policies put in place to presumably shield the school from lawsuits and allow teachers and administrators to dole out punishment without having to take the blame. Schools that need Zero Tolerance policies usually have teachers who can’t teach and students who are not interested in learning. Get Out!

    3. Mara says:

      “When did common sense and judgement become unused qualities?”

      It all started on April 20, 1999 with Harris and Klebold shooting up Columbine HS. People went nuts. The decline gained momentum when Al Qaida crashed into the Twin Towers, and people went even MORE nuts. It finally expired on the day corporations became people.

  15. Chris Bracey says:

    The real issue here is that the principle is trying to teach the WRONG lesson. He’s making an example out of what are likely two very good kids. There are probably plenty of kids in that school drinking before/after/during school, trading or selling prescription or illegal drugs, or eating a horrible diet that will slowly kill them. Rather than tackling the harder issues better to make an name (or a point I guess) with this low hanging fruit.

  16. RRBv09 says:

    then if the child died because nobody helped her then there would be troublle as well right?

    1. Ethan Case says:

      Conversely, if the child died b/c the allergic reaction she got from the inhaler caused her to stop breathing and it was the inhaler that killed her. we’d be talking about how there isn’t ENOUGH control of prescription drugs in schools.

      1. BadPenny says:

        Nope, that would just prove beyond any doubt that teachers are even more negligent than they already are! Where was the teachers when this child was having an apparent asthma attack? Let me guess, she was in the girls room watching the girls undress for gym.

  17. ScottieDont says:

    Did they do wrong? Yes. Did they do it with malicious intent? No.

    They should receive slaps on the wrist, but EXPULSION?? Gimme a break. A reactionary principal and superintendent wanting to make an example of two girls guilty of nothing more than being a bit ignorant in a panic situation, plain and simple.

    Suspensions are enough. Done.

  18. Sashland says:

    Reminds me of the girl who died recently because the Epi-Pen at the Nurse’s office was not hers, so they would not use it and let her die instead.

    How smart was THAT?

    1. trollkiller says:

      posters like ethan case would think it very smart

  19. Guest says:

    First, I went to fighting tournament not too long ago, and was ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED at the number of people using inhalers in the ring in between fights. I can’t believe all those people had asthma. It looked like they were doing it to get a boost and an edge on their opponents. There is something weird going on with the inhalers.

    Second, I wouldn’t be too happy with either of these junior high student’s. One for taking a drug that didn’t belong to her, and the other for diagnosing and medicating the other. She should have helped her friend to the nurse’s office. Luckily nothing worse happened.

  20. Dan Meyer says:

    Our son grew up with asthma from a very early age. Teachers, gym teachers especially are often not up to speed on it. Our son was out on a hot day (90’s) doing a ‘mile run’ for Presidential Fitness Program – he was having an attack and had blue lips from lack of oxygen when my wife was directed to the exercise field. He even tried to tell her that he was still on “his time” – when my wife blasted him that he was HER son and that ‘time’ is 24 hours a day. She got him fired over the incident.

    These girls were trying to help. They BOTH know how scary an asthma attack can be. We’ve had friends die of asthma attacks. (Adults who knew to take their meds and keep inhalers) The school here is WAY out of line and needs to be corrected. THEY need an ‘education’ about asthma and can take their ‘zero-tolerance’ attitude and stuff it.

  21. Bob says:

    Suspension, yes, expulsion, definately would be over kill. I would do the same thing and take the suspension.

  22. JT12 says:

    The Truth is this is gross over reaction by an ignorant Principal. One that has become far too common. Rather than use ANY common sense. It is no wonder the schools are such a mess when there are so many morons running them.

  23. Joe Greenwell says:

    As a retired school teacher the public schools demonstate their inability to educate children. If they would quit trying to be the parents and just teach the children everything would be much better off. The state legislatures need to make it impossible for schools to be sued so if something like this occurs it falls on the individuals to address the issue. All these “stupid” rules come about because parents want to blame the schools for not taking control. When the school does take control they look like idiots.

    I say shut every public school down bust the unions and privitize every school in America. It is not the responsibility of the govenment to educate children it is the responsibility of the parents.

  24. Joe Greenwell says:

    You know where all of this is going to end is when a school prevents a child from carrying what is now called a “rescue” inhaler or other drug at school because of the “rules” and that child dies. Then the poop will hit the fan.

  25. sean patriot says:

    “it comes down to two students sharing prescription drugs” Um they weren’y sharing anti depression pills or anything, she did it to save her life. People are morons. What if she hadn’t of give it to her and she died? then what would the school say?

  26. more horsesArses than horses says:

    girls girls girls,,,,,,just tell the school board you are illegal or New Black Panthers and you will be back in a second with apologies

  27. rmfree says:

    At more than $7500 per pupil per year in financial support the Lewis-Palmer Middle School. principal is going to levy a fine against the school district of $15000 (+) by expelling the students. Perhaps this will bring about a staff layoff. One would hope that the genius who decided the Zero Tolerance policy is the one RIFed.

  28. Robert Seitz says:

    It really does not matter what the condition was the student should not share prescription drugs with other students. There is a reason why doctors go to school and this stuff is regulated and somebody without even a high school diploma should not be dispensing it. The student should have been informed of the dangers of her actions and sent on her way. Lesson leaned. The suspension and possible expulsion is a stupid overreaction by government employees who need to feel important. What ever happened to common sense.

  29. Jeff says:

    Parents – Take your children out of the public school system as fast as you can. These people are stupider than your children and making your children stupider every day. Soon they will outlaw common sense completely.

  30. Bluto says:

    What a croc! This is typical of what is running our schools. Use some common sense idiots! The principal should have the inhaler shoved where the sun don’t shine.

  31. SomeOtherDave says:

    The school superintendent wants them to learn from this? There are lots of ways they could learn an appropriate lesson short of expelling them from school!

    Of course, I guess expelling them would definitely teach them that public school administrators are idiots.

  32. Chris says:


    That principal should be thrown into the street, because clearly they aren’t concerned whatsoever about the education and life of these kids.

  33. Mark says:

    I think we need to see more of this from school officials. What better way to teach the younger generation the falacies of utiopian dogma,central planning, and buarcracies.

  34. T says:

    The headline should read: “Student has potentially fatal allergic reaction to another student’s prescription medication.”
    Everyone is missing the point that the school policy is to save lives, not punish children. It’s been a WRITTEN policy in my local district for over a decade.
    The privilege of carrying an inhaler comes with responsiblity not to share it.

    1. b says:

      Yes, good sheep. The govt is the only one that can help. She should have let her friend die. Maybe in the future, if you need help, someone will follow your advice and let you die. Good sheep. Here’s your food pellet.

  35. mac says:

    The ENTIRE administration of this (so called) school should be fired!
    Even criminals that actually commit crimes get off easier than this!
    It seems to me the kids have more sense than the adults at this school.
    I agree with a warning (since no one died) and the requiremtn the other girl gets checked by her doctor soon.
    Morons, the adults at this school are.

  36. mac says:

    Demographics please.
    Anyone want to take a guess?
    Now they want 13 14yo’s to act like 30 yo adults.

  37. T says:

    It says SUSPENDED, not expelled. Probably one afternoon of in school suspension.

    1. readingisalifeskill says:


      “The principal sent a letter home to McKinney’s parents.

      They got a 10 day suspension. They will probably be expelled because of no tolerance policy.

  38. hohase says:

    I guess the line of reasoning then is let the student die before you violate policy. What the hell do these teachers and school administrators use for brains.

  39. john says:

    if that is the way school wants it…then fine with me. Next time, maybe a girl will stand by and watch her friend die from an asthma attack, just so she doesn’t break any rules.
    Then, the victims parents can sue the school for big buck-a-roos and if that happens, I hope I am on the jury. I’ll give the victims family every dime I can squuze out of the school district.

  40. Mike says:

    The girl’s actions are protected under Colorado CRS title 13-21-108, aka the Good Samaritan Law.
    No one is saying that being a school Principal is easy, but common sense is a prerequisite, and this principal is definitely lacking a fundamental attribute for doing the job.

  41. Law student says:

    Regardless of the school reaction, which may or may not be appropriate, the law of the good samaritan (which is a federal statute) says that injuries caused during an effort to aid another person believed to be in an medical emergency are protected from law suit UNLESS THE AID PROVIDER HAS A MEDICAL LICENSE. This was a kid so no license, therefore by acting in good faith she is exempt from prosecution. Personally though I agree that the school needs to use this as a learning opportunity.

    1. 5thcommjarhead says:

      I agree with the learning opportunity, but don’t you think expulsion is a little extreme as a teaching tool? I mean, if there was intent to harm, maybe, but come on . . . Even in the law it’s possible for a little common sense now and then isn’t it? I know they don’t teach you that in law school, but . . .

  42. A.C.Guard says:

    To Families of Girls: Get Lawyers!

  43. James Andrews says:

    Once government gets involved common sense goes out the window and only the most extreme reading of the rules is allowed. It is an Obamanation.

  44. BDDD says:

    If one had given the other a condom the roaches in FAILED public education would have applauded!

    Colorado. Figures!

  45. MrLiberty says:

    zero tolerance only means that school officials are now to stupid to handle situations on a as is basis.

  46. Jon says:

    And folks say Ron Paul is crazy. Rand Paul had a great comeback on cnn a few days ago when the host opened the interview with a comment about Ron supporting the legalization of prostitution and drugs. Rand responded that his father does believe in individual freedom but that he dosent recall ever hearing his father use the word prostitition. I dont think Ron would be a big fan of zero tolerance.

  47. the beave says:

    Great! Take your education $$$ somewhere else. You are too smart for these fools to teach you anything. What a bunch of jerks.

  48. RabbyTat says:

    Is this not a school?

    Frankly, I am impressed that the girls tried to act during a pressure moment. They have the makings of good adults if their instincts are encouraged and developed rather than beaten out of them.

    We just witnessed a learning opportunity.

    Since the act was motivated by ignorance rather than malice, can the school not simply instruct the students rather than expel them?

    Where is the “No child left behind” philosophy here?

    Stop playing cops and jailers – accept the challenges of life and start educating.

  49. Bobby says:

    This is one of the reasons we choose to homeschool…. Silliness!

  50. Notyranny says:

    What a sad state this nation has become, where trying to help another gets you suspended. There will be no help for these brainless zombies when all hell breaks loose. If this does not show you we live in Nazi America, what will? You are not going to hear when the indefinite detention or mass murders of American Citizens begin on the zombievision. No tolerance policies will eventually mean do what we say or die!!!!!! All in the name of protecting the Homeland just like Germany did.

  51. Carlton says:

    Dear Principal:
    Surely you are smarter than this article makes you out to be. Suspending these kids makes sense, but you want to EXPEL these kids on top of suspending them – where is the “learning” in that. They learn that you aren’t smart enough to find a better solution; they learn that punishment doesn’t fit the “crime”; they learn that you are more of a warden than an educator or leader…in other words, they learn just the opposite of the “lesson” you want them to learn.

    You can teach these kids sex education; why, then, can’t you teach them the dangers of sharing prescription meds? Did your school do this? It doesn’t appear she was aware of this danger OR the rule (whose fault?). What about the one girl’s human urge to help another human being…EVEN THOUGH it was the wrong thing to do. At least…AT LEAST…she didn’t stand by while someone (she thought) was in immediate danger.

    People make mistakes. If you EXPEL these girls you will have made a great mistake…and you, Principal, are not an 8th grader.

  52. 31337 says:

    its sad, long gone are the days of school admins calling them into an office and saying “We understand you were trying to help, but because it was a Prescription for you, you could have endangered the other girl. Please don’t do it again, now get back to class”.

  53. John C says:

    Doctors don’t teach school; students should practice medicine.

  54. Randall Covey says:

    Tax payers? Refuse to pay your taxes in this district.
    Parents? Refuse to send your children to this school.

    Let this PC admin wither on the vine.

  55. Sal says:

    Classic overreaction. It would be sensible to explain to the girls why they shouldn’t share medications because it could be harmful. Suspension? Come on. It’s not as if they were sharing cocaine or heroin. School administration
    has been headed downhill for years. This is a perfect example of their inability to use common sense

  56. Robert g says:

    Typical over reaction by a school id10t principal. He should be fired.

  57. Mike says:

    Most states have a Good Samaritan clause that cancels any criminal action, not civil action. It’s all about intent.

  58. Mark Hillyard says:

    If she was sharing a dubby with her friend they’d probably make her write on the chalk board a hundred times…I will not share my dope with any other dope. Dope is my only hope.
    I used to smoke years ago so there. Only made me doppy. Good with sex though.

  59. jayMac says:

    I never comment….look the girls made a dumb mistake that could have other consequences—But the extreme reaction of the schools representatives and the harsh insensitive / lacking common sense position of those supporting their lunacy is a frightening example of nihilistic socialism— Nazism!

  60. JPG says:

    Typical leftist reaction…claim they are educating the youngsters by punishing them. Parents need to move on the board to have this Principlal terminated.

    1. Greg B says:

      Maybe the world will catch a break and this puke will have his own asthma attack, while everyone stands around, paralyzed by fear of the control freak gestapo and their demonic lawyers.

    2. trollkiller says:

      why are there always moronic trolls who interject politics into every discussion?

  61. JustAGuy says:

    People DIE from asthma attacks you moronic government school union employee!

    The girl used good judgement! Better than yours!

  62. Edward says:

    It is stupid knee jerk reactions like this that give public education a bad name. This should be a teaching experience for the girls, not a suspension or expulsion. I am in public education and these types of decisions make my job more difficult.

  63. czervik says:

    I have a child with asthma. I also have it. I would definitely share it if it seemed warranted. For 13 year old girls that threshold may be lower. I’m sure an inhaler could cause an adverse reaction. In 98% of cases it will not.

    So you suspend them for a few days. I think the point is well taken. Expulsion is extremely punitive and will not accomplish anything but damage to these two young ladies’ school records and their chances to get into a good high school.

  64. TJP says:

    Sharing your inhaler is dangerous for the reasons stated in the article. However, I don’t think expulsion is warranted for a first-time offense. The real drive behind this is the fact that the school would probably be liable for damages if someone died because of shared prescription medication. The school is distancing itself as much as possible, and rightfully so. Want this solved? Go after the liberal idiots who’ve made this such a sue-friendly society.

  65. acas says:

    my son did this to an athlete who was having a real asthma attack. However the teacher was there so it was validated. The same year an 8th grader died because she forgot her inhaler at cheer practice.

    The punishment is draconian to the crime. Its not like she was passing out morphine. A closer examination of evets is needed. I would pull kid out of school.

  66. rufus levin says:

    suspension and expulsion INSTEAD OF EDUCATION…..makes no sense…this could be a legit LEARNING opportunity for the NURSE to EDUCATE, the PARENTS TO EDUCATE, and the ADMINISTRATION to foster TEACHING rather than PUNISHMENT.

    What happened to the adults that USED to be in the School Systems?

  67. Greg B says:

    The POS bureaucrat who wants to EXPEL THEM FROM THE DISTRICT needs to be expelled from its job. He/she/it should hope hesheit is never in distress, someone like hesheit might be the only one around to help, and simply watch them die.

    If an attorney sued the school district over something like this, that attorney should be publicly caned until their fat ass is totally lacerated and hanging off in chunks. Anyone else sick of living in a giant penal colony run by control freaks, who are aided by little lawyer demons? This unnatural state of affairs cannot continue. We’re being looted by amoral opportunists; eventually even the most pathetic victims will protest ongoing abuse.

  68. frustratedRN says:

    and if the student had been one of the rare episodes of broncho-spasms brought on by inhalers and ended up dying, everyone would have their panties in a twist. I HATE working for the schools because of the know-it-all parents who ARE NEVER HAPPY. Heaven forbid they actually have to wake up and feed their kids breakfast or teach their children manners. Let the schools do it.

    1. Saddened says:

      As I mentioned below, there isn’t a clear consensus from even medical professionals commenting here, let alone other adults, about the relative risks and ethical/health imperatives at stake here. How then can you chastise a child for not having a clear, ‘correct’ judgement or proper parental input on this situation?

  69. art says:

    Sad at what a loss of common sense school adminstrators seem to have over the past few years. PC has definately replaced any common sense.

  70. trollkiller says:

    she was trying to save her friends life, for Gods sake…narrow minded myopic bureaucrats like these school personnel are Kafkaesque caricatures, nothing more

  71. stopthemorons says:

    Idiots and morons are teaching our children. What kind of outcome can we expect for them? Just because one is educated does not make that person smart. In this case the ones that wrote the regulations and of course the ones that enforce them are clearly demonstrating that they are offically classified as idiots and morons. In spite of any prohibitions against what I am about to say, I going to do it anyway; pray for the children.

  72. jim1 says:

    I think the principal should decide on a suspension length, but then is told that it is a without pay suspension for the principal.

    If the principal decides on expulsion, then it is the principal that is let go.

  73. inkerton says:

    I think suspension is appropriate, because it was potentially very dangerous. But even considering expulsion based on what was, after all, an innocent attempt to help somebody with a non-narcotic prescription medication, is utterly absurd. The principal should be publicly shamed for considering such a thing. What has happened to this country? What has happened to flexibility and judgment and contextualization? The principal says, ‘well, she violated a policy.’ Context, moron. CONTEXT. For junk that gets kids kicked out of schools these days I and most of my friends would have been kicked out at some point, and I went to an Ivy League college and am a highly successful professional. It would be a joke if it weren’t so sad.

  74. Austin says:

    This is ridiculous. I’m an MD and no one is going to die from sharing a brief inhalation of albuterol. These schools need to get over themselves.

  75. Chris says:

    During midterms senior year I stood at my locker drinking my coffee and took a nodoze because Ihad nearly no sleep the night before. Two friends asked me for some nodoze so I gave some to them. All three of us were expelled from our senior year. I was the only one that went back the next year and graduated. Sometimes people need to think if there was anything nefarious intended before ruining someone elses life. The problem isnobody ever thinks anymore. the rule is the rule is the rule reguardless of how it effects others lives for years after that. You can’t fix stupid.

  76. The Kdawg says:

    Being a first aid/CPR/AED instructor, emergency medical responder (ex-EMT), and safety manager, I know it is not only a good school policy but in my state (Hawaii) part of the criminal code to do something like this.

    Having stated that, IMHO: heck there was no major adverse reaction so, suspend them for a short week, but expulsion and/or long suspension is taking it to far.

    Education them and perhaps the whole school on the real dangers of sharing a prescribe medicine such as an inhaler, epi-pen, meds.

  77. Ida Robinson says:

    In Utah I just saw a boy being given an award for helping a friend who was choking on his food. Hope no one tries to help a student in this school district–they’ll probably know the “breath out of them” and be suspended. Not too long ago I saw two girls in trouble because of one giving the other an aspirin. Have we all gone mad?

  78. 5thcommjarhead says:

    I understand that one of the new Federal mandates from the Dept. of Education is that public school administrators must be diagnosed with “Disassociative Disorder”.

  79. TexasForever says:

    Lets see Colorado……home of Air Force Academy sex scandal….home of ” 7 years old transgender boy being allowed into Girl Scouts and Columbine High School somehow this doesn’t surprise me.
    But lets ignore the THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of doceumented sexual assaults, molestation and rapes by OLDER, FEMALE teachers NATIONWIDE almost on a DAILY basis. ( not to mention your run of the mill male teachers rapes of female students)

  80. Jive Dadson says:

    Being kicked out of public school is good fortune. Girls, count your blessings.

  81. Frank says:

    I might be able to see a decision to suspend due to the sharing of prescription medication that could have had more adverse consequences. A five day suspension. But what is the lesson learned by doubling it and then processing the students for expulsion from the entire district? That is over the top. She made a mistake but had nothing but good intentions in her actions. What purpose does an expulsion have? My grandmother always said,” Common sense isn’t.” Here is more proof of that.

  82. jnsesq says:

    This is what happens when the laws of unintended consequences are enforced by morons.

  83. John Sheridan says:

    You now may actually realize that we are in a police state. These petty officials(school and otherwise) are inflated with their power and love to exercise it. Strict policies devoid of common sense are now common, enforced by mindless drones afraid for their jobs. This is not helped by the fact schools are now total areas of indoctrination nearly devoid of actual education. The teachers are being indoctrinated in college to teach obedience to the system with academics secondary. THIS is PROGRESSIVE education in action.

  84. Bryant Blake says:

    Asthma is no joke. My brother in laws best friend 49 years old died from an attack last month and an engineer friend had his 22 year old nephew die from it 2 weeks ago. The FDA changed the propellant a year ago to help the ozone and now the inhalers do not work. They used to be over the counter and lives would be saved if they were again.

  85. Arpa4me says:

    As someone who suffers from asthma, I know what air hunger feels like, and that time is critical when an attack starts. The young lady wasn’t sharing a narcotic, she was helping her friend breathe. While I do not encourage the sharing of prescription medication, I do not think a suspension of either student is necessary or fair, and actually discourages compassion. At this point, the school should work to make sure that the student has medication nearby in case another exercise induced attack takes place during PE. (or are we in the process of completely ignoring common sense?)

  86. Chuck Pelto says:

    TO: All
    RE: I Have to Wonder….

    ….if the school principal and district superintendent would be happier if the child had died of the attack and it later came out that the school prevented the other child from saving their life.


    P.S. We’re talking about parents forming a tar and feather party, if not a neck-tie one….

    1. luxomni says:

      Chuck Pelto

      TO: All
      RE: I Have to Wonder….


      YES. If everyone stood around and watched the child die waiting for an ambulance to come from Colorado Springs, the other student would still be in school.

      1. Chuck Pelto says:

        TO: luxomni
        RE: Imagine the HORROR….

        ….if some male student had administered CPR to the girl!!!!

        In this environment, human life means nothing compared to the bureaucracy.

        This is the epitome of that truism I came across some time ago….

        The great atrocities of our civilization have rarely been the acts of generals or presidents or kings. They have been the doings of petty bureaucrats acting within the strict confines of the law. — Alain Simon



      2. luxomni says:

        Well said, Chuck.

  87. Rick Metzger says:

    “Crites doesn’t have asthma.”

    The other girl was a friend, but not a doctor or a nurse or a paramedic.

    I once suggested orange juice, on an international flight, for a passenger having seizure that looked likely to be an insulin overdose. I guessed correctly. But orange juice is not a scrip. The U.S. is paranoid about prescriptions, so I look at in a broader context – if you can’t buy this drug (the inhaler) over-the-counter in a large number of non-US countries, then it is irresponsible to give it to another person because you think their symptoms mimic your own.

  88. Luxomni says:

    Zero Tolerance. Better a child die of an asthma attack than have a teacher or administrator have to think.
    The child is a hero. If it were my child, I’d wear that suspension as a badge of honor.
    BY THE WAY, Colorado has open enrollment, find a better school system.

  89. arguetjefacts says:

    I have asthma. And if I’m having an attack an my inhaler his exhausted I’ll take anyone that is given to me.

    Obviously the powers that be have no knowledge about asthma. Once a major attack start you have about five minutes to relieve it before anaphylactic
    shock and death. The sooner it can be stopped the better. A person trying to breath isn’t going to appreciate someone running around trying to think one to do when ONE puff from an inhaler can stop an asthma attack.

    Tell the principal to hold his breath for five minutes and see if he thinks it’s any fun knowing an inhaler could help him breathe again.

    1. Daniel says:

      It is hardly clear from this article that the girl was having an actual asthma attack. It could have been a panic attack for all this girl knew. What we do know, is that the girl suffered an immediate reaction to the inhaler… they should have been suspended, but not expelled. Unfortunately people keep validating their actions.

  90. mark says:

    Suspension is in order…Expulsion should only be allowed in the most extreme premeditated case of malicious use. Suspension would get the message across to everyone who hears of this.

  91. mark says:

    That all being said….the kid did the right thing by giving the inhaler, but the liability of the school requires punishment unfortunately…kinda sucks either way you look at it.

    1. Eric says:

      Their liability requires them to have a policy, and to say “no no no” when it’s broken. Expulsion serves no purpose at all.

  92. Bagbalm says:

    Everybody know inhalers are a gateway drug leading straight to heroin. Put the kid away for some hard time.

  93. Montford John Greenwood says:

    In Merika you don’t help your fellow citizens.
    You let them die if need be.
    The “authorities will handle any situation where people need help.

  94. Eric says:

    Zero Tolerance policies have nothing to do with keeping schools safe, and everything to do with covering bureaucratic butts.

  95. ronstaiger says:

    This kind of activity is EXACTLY where zero-tolerance rules apply. A school nurse cannot even give a student an aspirin these days so why would we want our children accepting any medicatrion from another student? Several years ago my nephew who was a freshman in high school had been prescribed Ritalin for ADHD. Ritalin is prized by some students and one of his “friends” convinced him to trade some for cocaine. That very night my nephew drowned in his vomit while in bed and that is how his mom and dad found him the next morning. His father was never the same and was actually institutionalized within just a few months. Not only should students who share prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs be suspended, they should also be arrested- zero tolerance!

  96. Daniel says:

    Suspension makes perfect sense, as the girl should have gone immediately to the school nurse and NOT shared her perscription. Having said that, noone was harmed here and to EXPELL the students doesn’t teach them anything at all. Administrators need to start thinking about the well-being of kids who make mistakes like this, instead of opting to destroy their lives as an “example” to others.

    1. Chuck Pelto says:

      TO: Daniel
      RE: Heh

      When seconds count, the school nurse is only minutes away.


      [Stupid, adj., Ignorant and proud of it.]

      1. Danoz says:

        Frankly, it doesn’t appear the girl was actually having an “asthma attack,” nor is the other girl qualified to make that diagnosis. Overdosing on something like abuterol sulfate can be very dangerous, and the girl ended up going to the school nurse anyway because she had an adverse reaction to her friend’s prescription medication. The school nurse is there for a reason. Also, I’m not advocating expolusion or further punishment in this matter. I personally have asthma and take aluberol sufate sparingly for reactive airways— this girl should have seen the school nurse or a doctor. You simply don’t know what you are talking about here.

  97. B says:

    Clearly, the lesson to be learned here is “Dont ever try to help anyone if you’re not govt approved. Just watch them die and say “Sorry, my help isn’t certified””. Someone may die, but at least you won’t break any rules!

  98. josetoyou says:


  99. Spike66 says:

    This is an indictment of no-tolerance policies. Unfortunately, I believe the the administrators hands are tied. While a death would be a terrible consequence of this, it did not happen. It seems that educators ought to be able to turn this into a teaching moment, and everyone can come out a winner here. Instead, lawyers, insurance companies, tort law and politicians have removed that tool from the educators’ toolbox. The school districts only course of action is suspension/expulsion. If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

  100. Maryea Connelly says:

    The best idea on here so far is that an educational assembly for the whole
    school be scheduled. Somebody should call the school and suggest it. This
    would be helpful for everyone involved and save future heartache too.

  101. NY9Solyndra says:

    Expulsion is too much.

  102. David says:

    So let me get this straight… An 8th grader tried to help her friend by providing what she thought was a proper response and gets expelled. If she on the other hand tried to give CPR to someone in response to a medical emergency, but broke their ribs in the process and killed them she would get nothing (Good Samaritan Rule, not a “practicing medical professional”). Yup my grandfather was right – you can’t legislate common sense, only liberalism…

  103. Gerry says:

    The fools in the administration at this school should be fired or punished. But it would be easier for these girls just to attend a different school where there might be a chance that an adult there has some common sense!!

  104. charles says:

    And this is why we need school vouchers. We need options to get our kids out of the asylum. Public schools are hopelessly entangled in politics, political correctness, and union corruption. Give us vouchers. Let us pick our own schools and hold the people running it accountable to the parents, not the politicians.

  105. Bernie Bouck says:

    It’s now time for the parents TAKE BACK the schools from the INDOCTRINATORS that work for the ‘gummint’ lawyers ! They will get at it as soon as they’re not busy feeding them and keeping them in a style that impresses their neighbors !

  106. Mike says:

    Welcome to AmeriKa. The Liberal / Progressives ruined the sKool system years ago.

  107. PC run amok says:

    Lewis-Palmer Middle school
    1776 Woodmoor Drive, Monument, CO 80132
    Main: (719) 488-4776 Fax: (719) 488-4780
    Main Office Hours: 7:00AM – 3PM
    School Hours: 7:23AM – 2:34PM (1st bell 7:18am)
    Caryn Collette, Principal
    Ryan Capp, Assistant Principal

    John Borman
    Superintendent of Schools
    Lewis-Palmer School District #38
    146 Jefferson St., Monument, CO 80132
    Mailing: PO Box 40, Monument, CO 80132
    Main: (719) 488-4700 Fax: (719) 488-4704
    Office Hours M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    Here’s the district’s mission statement:
    “Our purpose is to prepare students to be successful learners, productive citizens and caring contributors to society.”
    Given the latter portion of the sentence, i suggest politely letting the principal and superintendent know what you think of their august judgment…

  108. Jewfromhell says:

    Don’t “Bogart” that inhaler my friend!

  109. Frank Truth says:

    To teach the other students in school a really good lesson the two criminal punks ought to have been taken out back behind the school, blind-folded, given a last cigarette, stood in front of wall, and shot in their hearts by ten law enforcement sharpshooters. That would teach the other students a good lesson. I guarantee if the school district had behaved that way no other student would ever consider giving another student having trouble breathing their prescription medication. The principle here is moral hazard. If you let these two criminal get away with this kind of behavior once, other students will start sharing ther ritalin and their anti-depressants? Where will it all stop? It is a slippery slope from giving a friend with distressed breathing an asthma inhaler, to giving any schoolmate your ritalin to peddling heroin. If these criminals are not punished swiftly and severely what message are we sending to their classmates? Sometime we have to show tough love. It is better excise cancer before it spreads. It is clear the only way to avoid moral hazard in this case is swift and certain execution. That is the only way to really teach a lesson that will make an impression, and not be forgotten. We just can’t tolerate this kind of behavior. Weak Americans could learn a thing or two from Spartan tradition.

    1. Smack Dab says:

      You are joking, right? Of course you are. Very funny. Glad you ain’t in charge.

  110. Nick Miller says:

    This whole zero-tolerance paranoid school culture started in the late 80s-early 90s with the NeoCon War on Drugs, actually it goes back even further to the early 70s when Nelson Rockefeller, the “progressive” Republican governor of New York signed a law which required a mandatory life prison term for possession of even a few ounces of pot. Forty years later, its democrats who have become the oppressive statists with their lawyers, number crunching bureaucrats, and Big Pharma helping their cause (and of course Neocons like Newt and Mitt). It was Obama who outlawed the Primatene inhaler as an OTC option because Big Pharma can make a lot more $ off prescription inhalers and they wrote his Obamacare law. Of course, the reason they gave was that it was bad for the environment in order to please the latte and merlot sipping dopes who voted for him. The ones who suffer the most from not being able to get OTC asthma inhalers are poor African Americans and Hispanics who probably can’t afford the copay to see a doctor.

    1. Smack Dab says:

      Please explain what a “neo con” is. I see this term thrown around all the time.

      1. Daniel Kian Mc Kiernan says:

        Smack Dab—

        In actually, the term “neocon[servative]” properly refers to a person who came from the political left, but became convinced that conservatives had reached some of the right conclusion, albeit for the wrong reasons.

        However, during the Administration of GW Bush (of which many of the members were neocons), some people (mostly but not exclusively on the left) using “neocon” as a blanket term of oppobrium. When you see it thrown-about like that, it means no more someone whom the speaker or writer hates and wants to wad together with a bunch of other people that he or she hates.

      2. Daisy says:

        Daniel K. McKiernan gave a correct and comprehensive explanation.

        I can add this: Neo Con is also a pointed insult hurled at Jewish people who have dared to stray away from Liberal Land towards more stable Conservative positions. As such, it’s an anti-Semitic slur hurled by anti-Semitic Leftists.

  111. Bud Tuglie says:

    This is neither a left or right wing issue. It’s about yet another paid public official who would default to a policy manual rather than actually have to think. These dolts deserve no more than minimum wage. A baboon could truly do better. 10 days suspension . . .ARE YOU SERIOUS???

  112. Andi Gee says:

    bottom line: you cannot share a prescription medicine, period. I blame the parents of the girl with asthma! she should’ve been taught better and she’d have known what to do if her friends were having symptoms. Also, the doctor should have made it clear what albuterol can do to someone who doesn’t need it, or has an allergy. Suspension is ridiculous…the poor girls were already scared…let it go.

    1. Mynameiscommonsense says:

      Umm.. albuterol is very safe and does not cause allergic reactions. The only thing that may have caused an allergic reaction is the fact that the new NON-WORKING HFA INHALERS USE ETHANOL AND MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLERGIC TO INHALING ETHANOL BUT THAT IS WHAT WE ARE ALL FORCED TO USE NOW.

      1. Brian says:

        It doesn’t specify albuterol, but yes, it can cause allergic reactions. It’s rare, but it happens. Bronchospasm (your throat seizes up) hives, and angioedema (swelling).

  113. Concerned Mom of 5 says:

    I call “Good Samaritan Law” here… and coming from a group that wants to legalize pot and LSD the charges against the students are absurd. Public School is evil.

  114. Smack Dab says:

    The girl did what she thought was right in the heat of the moment. She is in 8th grade. You are in school to learn. She learned not to do that. Expulsion is extreme. It is no fun having asthma. A big deal was made about nothing.

    1. Mynameiscommonsense says:

      Maybe expulsion from government brainwashing school is the best thing that ever happened to this girl…

  115. Frank Truth says:

    If you aggree with me that these two criminals should be placed before a firing squad and executed please email John Borman Superintendent of Schools, Lewis-Palmer School District #38 at

  116. Mark Mangus Sr says:

    Another case of overreacting by idiot school administrators. Instead of suspending and possibly expelling the girls, why don’t they use this a teaching opportunity? Explain WHY it was not a good idea to share the inhaler. Throughout the country schools are considering abandoning these zero tolerance policies. They leave no room for common sense to prevail.

  117. BobC says:

    Suspension is warranted to send the message that what they did was against the rules and carried significant risk. Expulsion is so over the top given the motivation here that it just shows how moronic and brainless our public school administrations have become. These idiot school system jerks are about to ruin these girls futures because they are not equipped to think for themselves.

    1. Mynameiscommonsense says:

      They used expulsion because they want to make an example out of this heroic friend – it’s not safe to think for yourself in this society – see what happens? That’s what they want to teach the other sheep…

      It’s WAY past time for people to rebel against public schools – they are participating in the ruination of our country through brainwashing and dumbing down our children!

  118. mike says:

    What has the world come too, ruining a childs life for trying to help a friend? Moving schools under this situation is going to be so detrimental to this student. Just give the suspention, make sure she knows the policy, review the policy with the students and be done with it. This is the same mentality that people in the city have when they lock their doors when someone is screaming for help, we as a society have scared good people into being so fearful of helping someone because of the potential damages that people have become numb to the suffering of others. I say way to go girl for trying to do the right thing, even if the right thing may not always work out the way we hope. Besides if she had saved her life from an asthma attack she would be in the news for being a hero right now.

  119. Joe Jericho says:

    This is ridiculous. My son has asthma as well, and the school has threatened action against him if he even brings his inhaler with him. His school wants him to check his inhaler in at the office and then have an asthmatic attack while at recess or gym and then possibly die from said attack. They don’t care about the kids. They care about their policies. We need a revolution against these government bureaucrats.

  120. Charlie says:

    Why are the two 8th-grade, named in the article, while “the principal” and “the superintendent”, both of whom were interviewed for the article and quoted in it, remain safely anonymous?

  121. Mynameiscommonsense says:

    Gee I wonder if the inhaler she gave to her friend was one of those new HFA inhalers that were mandated by the idiots in Congress which have sent more asthmatics to the ER than any pollution ever could. The real issue here is – how can an inhaler cause an allergic reaction? What ? You mean these inhalers were not fully tested before being FORCED onto the asthmatic public?

    And Joe Jericho – it’s clear that the NWO elites would like to cull the population of those with asthma – they are doing everything they can to make it impossible for them to live normal lives. The CFC inhalers allowed that so that is why they had to be eliminated.

  122. Mynameiscommonsense says:

    Here is another point to ponder – if this student was in medical distress – where was the teacher in all this? MIA? That seems to be the case with most teachers these days. The school is responsible for taking care of kids while they are at school – so the REAL story here is that any adult help seemed to be conspicously missing at this school.

    Parents – if you care about your children – GET THEM OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT BRAINWASHING SCHOOLS!

  123. My $.00002 worth says:

    Wow. I mean, wow. Pretty clear to me the lessons the girls will take from this episode:
    1) No good deed goes unpunished.
    2) Authority figures, especially school administrators, are not your friends and cannot be trusted to act rationally.
    3) CYA at all costs.
    A lot of posts here are taking the line that the girl who shared her inhaler clearly was wrong to do so, but I’m not sure I agree. I have suffered allergy- and exercise-induced asthma my entire life. It’s mostly mild, but if I come into contact with certain allergens it can get pretty rough very quickly. I know first-hand the panic of having a severe attack without an inhaler near at hand. I remember the days before there were inhalers, and the medicine I was given as a kid was an oral liquid prescription that tasted so vile It made me throw up. And I remember vividly the first time an uncle brought me a Primatene Mist inhaler while I was having an attack. One puff — and just like that, I could breathe! So if a friend or family member was having what looked like an asthma attack, would I lend him or her my prescription albuterol inhaler? In a heartbeat. Because I know that the chances for an adverse reaction are slim, and the chances for instant relief almost certain.

  124. RodgerJ says:

    Yet another reason my kids will never, ever set foot in a filthy degenerate government union public school. More “zero-tolerance” nonsense from people too darn stupid to be teaching.

  125. shanigens says:

    This incident is making me think more and more of homeschooling my children. The school systems are horrible. Some people on here are idiots. The girl was only trying to be a GOOD SAMARITAN.
    Do you know that Tobacco kills 435,000 people per year, Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise kills 365,000 people per year, Alcohol kills 85,000 per year, and Peanuts cause 1000 deaths per year?
    There is nothing wrong with sharing an inhaler. And yes people do die from asthma.

  126. JimN says:

    Sounds to me like the girl who suffered the attack has a case for a lawsuit against the school for disclosing information about medical treatment received at the school – a violation of HIPAA and/or FERPA regs.

  127. Daniel Kian Mc Kiernan says:

    These school officials are arch fools, and the community that tolerates them is morally lost.

  128. Ed H says:

    The article states that the superintendent wants the girls to learn from the incident on the one hand and expel them on the other. I don’t see how you learn by removing the girls from the school. On top of that, these families pay for their kids’ education through their tax dollars. Poor decisions like this should not be the basis for denying them their paid-for education.

  129. David says:

    Zero tolerance means just that. So, the PRINCIPAL must be fired, because he was in charge of the school when it happened, and he had not taken appropriate steps to prevent it from happening. THAT’S zero tolerance!

  130. grundoon says:

    Since it was the teacher’s responsibility to have cared for the student in distress and not a fellow student the teacher should be given unpaid leave or fired for dereliction of duty instead of expelling the student for doing his/her job.

  131. Some Guy says:

    Well, obviously you can’t just let proles in a starter prison start trying to help each other! Why, they may get the idea that problems can be solved without supplicating to the nearest apparatchik in the vicinity!

  132. fulredy says:

    And we pay school administrators more than teachers and this is what we get. All too often, school policies are one-size-fits-all and leave no room for common sense. That’s one of the problems in America today, we have lost our responsibility to use common sense. Our society today screams liability and we are clearly the world leader in litigious actions and the number of lawyers per capita. Maybe we need tort reform at all levels, not just in malpractice claims.

  133. Kenny says:

    Maybe she can get into a real school if she’s expelled. Dangerous what happened? Absolutely. To think the students would know this at their age? Ignorant. To punish them based on school policy? Reasonable. To expel them to “make examples” of them? Assinine!! There are other things you could do to them without expelling them. Why not have them go around to other students/schools explaining the dangers of doing something like this? In other words, use this to EDUCATE!! Wow, what a concept!!

  134. conservative1 says:

    The Principal is definitely not her “pal.” Fire the Principal and the Superintendent for gross over-reaction.

  135. yeah right says:

    You armchairs are missing the boat…Maybe the girls were abusing the inhaler. I bet they were getting high using it and had to make up this story to cover this fact when the one girl had the allergic reaction. I only told dad one time that it wasn’t me that was smoking, it was Eddie….he tore me up that day…and I never smoked again…Ithese girls probably don’t have a daddy so the school has to do it…

  136. Timin Phoenix says:

    Number One in donations dollars to the Democrats is the N.E.A.

    Second, are the trial lawyers.

    That should tell you something.

  137. Kelly says:

    My daughter has asthma and is an 8th grader. During cross country she shared her inhaler with another girl who does have asthma and they use the same kind. My blood ran cold when she told me!! If the school had found out she would have been in trouble like these girls are facing. She was told never to do it again. Sometimes kids just don’t think.

  138. Blaine Hislop says:

    I haven’t met a teacher yet who wasn’t overpaid.

  139. Blaine Hislop says:

    and yes, there are too many lawyers

    cull the herd

  140. JSimple says:

    And you ask why we homeschool? Stupid teachers, even dumber administrators….and lawyers.

    @ Blaine – the “haven’t met a teacher yet” comment should be a bumper sticker! LOL

  141. Jeff Hall says:

    The right thing to do is do nothing and stand by and watch according to this school. Making a decison right or wrong is better than making no decision at all.

  142. TeaRunner says:

    Why are stupid people being allowed near let alone supervise our children?

  143. Jahnke says:

    Liberals are the stupidest people in the world … and I am including people from Mexico, too.

  144. Just say'n says:

    If it was a teacher that molested a child they would get an appeal. Funny the kid helped another human being in distress and is rewarded with suspension and maybe expulsion.
    The REAL crime is these people are iteaching their “values” to our children.

  145. Countrygirl1362 says:

    The lesson I see the children learning is don’t help anyone even if you think they could die, you will get into trouble.,

  146. FNTM says:

    And to think these people actually teach our children. OMG!

  147. ZeroToleranceForIgnorance says:

    Zero tolerance policies are insane. In our district, even LifeSavers and breath mints are outlawed. Public schools are bastions of ignorance, incompetence, and idiocy. Always remember:
    – Those who can, do.
    – Those who can’t, teach.
    – Those who can’t teach, teach gym.

  148. Steve says:

    Two things – first, it isn’t Primatene Mist rather Albueterol, or the newer sulfate version. Second, I grew up with asthma and know of two deaths due to attacks, one of which happened while I was in high school. The underlying cause of that death was because the student hadn’t taken his medication in the morning and had failed to bring his inhaler to school, but the teacher’s classroom that he entered while trying to reach the nurses office, and subsequently where he died, was unable to help him as they didn’t know what he was experiencing and, at that point, he couldn’t really speak. Likewise, once the nurse arrived she was unable to assist because she too had no idea what was happening. This happened during 5th period and if it had happened less than one hour later I would have been next door with the inhaler that would have saved his life. Would I have been suspended/expelled because I shared a prescription drug? Unlikely, but the problem is that most faculty are unaware of what asthma really is and how to respond to such a severe attack. I found growing up that my PE teachers had no clue and simply deferred to what I told them I could/couldn’t do and what I needed.

    Understanding that these girls are in 8th grade and still naive, you cannot fault one girl for trying to help another who she thought was suffering the anguish that she, herself, has probably suffered. If you don’t have asthma, or have never suffered something similar, then you can not understand the helplessness you feel when all of a sudden you are trying to inhale and nothing is happening. The anxiety you feel as you exert effort with little gain is indescribable, and the compassion she felt is explainable.

    1. My $.00002 worth says:

      Yup. I actually always found *exhaling* to be the hardest part during a severe attack. This made for a bit of difficulty later in life when prescribed a CPAP for sleep apnea. Breathing against the air pressure of the machine during exhale made it feel very much like an asthma attack. Eventually got used to it, though. As a youngster, on a couple of occasions I had an attack bad enough that I wasn’t able to move enough air to speak. Or maybe it was just that I didn’t have anything to say that was worth the supreme effort required to make a sound. I remember how bad the muscles of my back and torso would *ache* after an attack like that. I expect in fatal cases like you describe, there is a “spiral” effect – the worse the airway constriction, the more effort required to breathe; the more effort required to breathe, the less air being taken in to fuel the muscles for the effort of breathing; eventually the person cannot muster the strength to pull in enough air to sustain life. Without air, you have about 4 minutes until brain death. Asthma is no joke. Are people really naive enough to trust that a middle school PE teacher or school nurse would be able to respond appropriately in such a situation? And I don’t mean any disrespect to the people in those professions. But in a case like that, you don’t have a half hour to phone the kid’s mom and wait for an inhaler to show up or dither around in the school first aid cabinet. If it was ME gasping on the floor, I would hope someone, anyone, would have the sense to loan me an inhaler. I still say the girl was right to try to help her friend.

    2. Nic says:

      Thank You. Nothing more terrifying that not being able to suck in even a tsp of air. And today, you would be expelled if you had helped. I loathe their making Primatene Mist illegal, it has saved my life before when the new inhalers didn’t work for me. Loosened up the tight drum that were my lungs enough that I could use my inhaler. Using an inhaler would not have harmed that girl, not treating an asthma attack would have. The schools today are more concerned with legality than doing what is right. Heck, so are our laws any more. Our society has become evil in a very real way.

  149. Matt says:

    Suspension makes sense since what they did WAS very dangerous. Expulsion, however, is way over-the-top. These are 8th graders. I don’t know about everyone else, but I couldn’t go 30 minutes without doing something stupid when I was that age.

    Seems compassion and common sense left the public school system long ago.

  150. This is why I cringe everytime I hear the terms “zero tolerence”. It is just a way to CYA and forfeit the need to use judgement. 6 year olds suspended for bringing a plastic butter knife to school, honor student life ruined because he forgot his hunting rifle locked in his trunk and on and on. School officials are hired to exercise judgement which includes taking intent into account. Saying it is “school policy” is just abdicating their responsibility to think and use common sense.

  151. kf says:

    So if someone give my son an epi pen when he stops breathing they will both be expelled for shaing perscription drugs? Or if a student administers CPR they will be charged with rape or assault? Or if I hand my coworker an asprin I’ll be dismissed for distributing? It is significant that the article mentions that the principle doesn’t have asthma. I don’t have it myself but have seen my nephew have attacks. His lips turn blue because he is asphyxiating. Kudos to the student for thinking quickly and trying to help with the inhaler. There may have been uncertainty about the other student’s reaction to the inhaler, but there was no doubt that she was suffering initially.

  152. Marie R Sadler says:

    The school’s lesson: If you see a student who appears to be in a life threatening situation, don’t do anything for fear of expulsion. Also, not all schools have nurses due to budget cuts. lack of oxygen can kill a child within a few minutes. Police or EMS are not always within 1-2 minutes away.

  153. Tryanon says:

    A simple “Girls, you shouldn’t do that. You could die. Don’t EVER do that again. Now get back to class”, should have been sufficient!

  154. SteveC says:

    My brother died from using an inhaler that was not prescribed to him. Sharing prescription meds is dangerous. Despite the fact that my brother died from such an experience, I think expulsion is too severe in this case. The sharing was not for recreational purposes. Suspension and some extra learning activities on the dangers of what they did seems like the right thing to do.

  155. nicolette says:

    The principal of Lewis-Palmer JHS is Caryn Collette, no email address provided. However the superintendent is John Borman, 719-785-4200 . This stupifyingly , what, unethical? principal needs to go who holds to ‘Zero Tolerance’ idiocy even when attempting to save a life. (Which is what her friend was trying to do.) Zero Tolerance = 100% idiocy.

  156. ILikeRush says:

    You should resign you are not smart enough to work in a school.

  157. Heather says:

    Wow, this article really brought out all of the WebMD doctors out there. LOL.

  158. Wereturtle says:

    This is the problem with Zero-Tolerance policies. They absolve the School administrators of having to employ common sense and make an actual judgement about a situation.

    Now a days, they just suspend/expel without considering the situation.

  159. kevin says:

    this is a complete joke. I have been saved by a friend’s inhaler COUNTLESS TIMES. Just imagine watching some kid having an asthma attack, knowing what will help him, and NOT giving him the inhaler. It isn’t like it could create an allergic reaction or anything.

    This is the DEFINITION of asinine

  160. glenp says:

    was there ever any ORIENTATION for students about these rules? did the administration just ASSUME that kids know every little regulation some bureaucrat has assigned to schools? do kids know you can be jailed for spitting on a sidewalk?

    do any administrators have any brains or sense or thought processes?

  161. angryMD says:

    As a physician, parent, and husband to a public school teacher, I can say that this punishment is absurd and evil, not that I expect anything else from public school administrators.

    First, the girl was trying to help someone else with a potentially life-saving medication. Yes, it is possible to die of an asthma attack. Second, albuterol inhalers are generally safe. There are less allergies to albuterol than aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Side effects are minimal and it is generally safe even in overdose, unlike many over the counter medications including aspirin, acetaminophen, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), while regular ibuprofen use commonly leads to gastrointestinal bleeding. As others have pointed out, whether or not the second girl even had a true allergic reaction is very questionable. Most people who claim allergies generally have common, mild side effects. Clearly she is OK now.

    Public school students today commonly curse at their teachers, steal, do illegal drugs or have intercourse on school grounds, act violently towards other students and even teachers, all with minimal (partial day in school suspensions, always allowed to make up work no matter how late) or no punishment. To suspend either girl for even one day is entirely inappropriate. To even consider expulsion is beyond comprehension, and obvious evidence of horrible judgement and unsuitability for leadership — legitimate grounds for termination of the principal. To attempt to destroy these children’s lives over such a small, well-intentioned incident can only be described as megalomania. If all parents had a vote in whether to retain or dismiss, it would be an obvious landslide. Of course, parents don’t have such a say. The state and its bureaucracy always knows better.

    The only answers are to get yourself and those whom you love as far away from its tentacles as possible, and vote to restrict, cut, and abolish its powers at every chance.

  162. Rikki says:

    My 17 yr old son has asthma, so I can understand why the young girl would panic if she saw her friend in distress. My son was diagnosed with asthma at age 5 and I still get anxious when he has an attack. The schools have gone completely bonkers with their rules lately. While this young girl probably should have gotten an adult to respond to the situation, she was only trying to help her friend. A few weeks ago, my son complained of a bad headache to a friend. The young lady (who is a very good girl and well respected) offered him a prescription strength Tylenol that she had on her (it was for a toothache she had been suffering). The Tylenol was no more potent than taking a few OTC regular strength Tylenol however, my son refused it and handed it back to her. Another student saw the exchange take place and told the Asst. Principal who then pulled both my son and his friend into the office and threatened to expell them. All of us parents had to attend school meetings with our children, the principles and school board over this. Since my son did not actually take the medication, both kids were only sent to In School Detention for a few days instead of expelled. The “offense” is permanently in both of their records though. Due to this ridiculousness, I have decided that when the time comes, I will home school both of my youngest children. Schools should be focused more on teaching academics and less on policing every little aspect of life. I can understand them warning the young girls involved in this incident but, expelling them is way too harsh.

    1. Frank_PA says:

      so he got detention because he didn’t take the Tylenol?

  163. JW says:

    I guess if the girls wanted an abortion, they wouldn’t have to tell an adult or get permission and they would still be given prescription drugs…wthout adult permission.

    1. Daisy says:

      Very good point. And the school principal would probably drive the pregnant girls to Planned Parenthood herself.

  164. Rikki says:

    I should also add that, had my son taken the prescription strength Tylenol that his friend had handed to him, both children would have faced legal charges, of which I were told could be felony charges.

  165. Capt Phil says:

    Another clearcut reason for home schooling. The sooner we can get the bufoons out of the classroom and have them walking dogs or some other job for which they qualify, the better. (my apologies to dog walkers!) I wouldn’t have subjected my kids to government run schools if they held a gun to my head. Both were home schooled and now earn +$100k a year!

  166. Thomas Long says:

    I would imagine that this principle did not know the principle of the Good Samaritan Law. These principles of sound judgement are not taught or understood by those supposedly mandated to instruct our future leaders. This principal is an example of this type of instruction received from government schools. And this is an example of the results. What if a child is near death because the medicine needed for an illness, such as asthma, is in your child’s pocket? Would you teach your child to be prepared to take action like I have instructed mine or would. you follow the example of this principal? Where am I wrong? Do not be afraid of doing the right thing even if your superior advocates the wrong thing!

    1. D Wilson says:

      If the school proceeds with the “discipline,” call a lawyer and drop a lawsuit on them. That’s the only thing they understand.

  167. Bill says:

    The girl was suffering, I don’t understand how people can rationally and calmly decide that having the girl suffer for 5, 10 or more minutes is the preferred option here.
    Teaching children to rely on government and authority to fix their problems seems like a mistake. This is America; encourage children to help each other, solve problems and to protect and provide for their friends seems like what we need to be teaching them.
    Rules are necessary and important, but not as important as common sense, and common decency.

  168. Rich Pope says:

    No one dies from an inhaler, even a prescription. The Superintendent of this school is an idiot.

  169. capoprimo says:

    It’s a sad day in the American Educational system when the students display more common sense than the administrators!

  170. Disgusted Person says:

    We need to demand a stop to the socialist “property tax” which both prevents us from truly owning private property and also funds these ever-failing liberal government schools full of incompetent, moronic public union teachers who have a hard time using common sense. Enough already, the government schools have long since failed.

    1. angryMD says:

      This is one of the best and most insightful comments on this long thread. The property tax is rent paid to the real owner of the property, the government. Work 30 years paying off your mortgage, then fail to pay your property tax year 31: Voila! Your home is stolen and sold for back taxes. Property ownership in this country is a lie, and we have been brainwashed not to see it.

      How exactly is our condition any better than medieval serfs, other than the advances technology has provided? Answer: we are “free” to go and live on another lord’s manor. That’s it. You don’t own the house, the land, or the fruits of your labor. It all goes to the lord in whatever proportion he decides. Except now the lord takes a portion of what he takes from us to set up a prison our children must attend for all the formative years of their lives, where they are propagandized by the lord’s minions.

      Even better, the lord forces us to use his “money” with his and his family members’ pictures on it, which he alone has the exclusive right to print, and as much as he wishes, whenever he wishes!

      This system is so evil someone not indoctrinated in it for their entire lives could never even dream it up. | |

  171. IndyMom says:

    I would like to know what the “allergic reaction” was to the inhaler. If she does have early, undiagnosed asthma (as I did for years), she could have had an asthma attack, then used the inhaler. Her breathing likely improved, even if she might have reacted to the inhaler – they are hard on your system when you first start on them. I would bet the girl given the inhaler has undiagnosed asthma which occurs intermittently, exercise-induced. An asthmatic recognizes the signs of another asthmatic. My mother and doctors missed mine, but it was another student (sophmore in high school) running with me that said, “Oh, you have asthma too!” and proceeded to provide the best information on asthma that I’ve yet to receive from the medical community. Doctors use response to treatments, such as inhalers, as part of the diagnostic criteria to determine if someone has asthma. She still might have it.

    One might make the case for a 1- day suspension because it was a prescription, and it was not known what might happen with this medication. Expulsion is ridiculous for a concerned, panicky 8th grader, and in the case of the girl that used the inhaler – lower than normal oxygen! They were both exercising, probably both at least mildly asthmatic, and oxygen-deprived, and not likely to make perfect decisions. Where, oh where was the PE teacher during all of this?

    Asthma is not something you play around with. I have a son who has asthma and while you sometimes have time, sometimes it is critical immediately. 9-1-1 couldn’t get to this girl fast enough if she couldn’t breathe. Inhalers are NOT only prescribed for asthmatics. Sometimes, an acute illness can require an inhaler for relief, but the person is not asthmatic. The girl with the prescription inhaler may have still saved the other girls’ life. Since no adults seemed to be concerned with the girl’s safety until it might be a legal liability for them, we don’t know how bad her breathing was until the inhaler medication got into her system.

  172. Saddened says:

    It seems to me that there is no clear consensus from the adults who have posted here (including medical professionals) about what the correct course of action should have been in this incident. If we adults – and most notably the medical professionals -are not sure how we would have handled this situation ourselves, how can we indict 8th graders, or their parents, for failing to exercise proper judgment in this? Does there not also exist some potential for legal action for *failing’ to aid someone in distress when they have the ability to do so? Would this girl have equally been haunted the rest of her life had the friend actually died from an attack, knowing that she had possessed the ability to help avert it? This is just as possible a scenario as being haunted from any accidental death that may have arisen as result of an allergic reaction. It seems like this girl was faced with a Hobson’s choice no matter what course of action she took.

  173. Harold Wyne says:

    Where was the physical education teacher? He or she should have spotted the girl who was in trouble and taken appropriate action. The superintendent and school principal, vice principal and anyone else in the hierarchy responsible for the physical education program should be held responsible for this fiasco.

    1. JT says:

      If anything like the PE teachers I had when I was in school, he was probably focused on the athletes in the class. I remember on one occasion playing”flag” football and getting tackled so hard I was on the ground for a full ten minutes before several students helped me up and to the benches. I sat there for another five minutes before deciding I had hurt my head enough that I needed to go to the health office. The PE teacher NEVER noticed any of it. I went on my own. After seeing the doctor it was confirmed along with whiplash. Lucky for the teacher and the school my parents were not the types to go running and and blame anyone, it was just something that happens when you play football.

  174. Bruce says:

    She should have just given her friend a breathalyzer, its not prescription plus its Obamacare approved for breathing treatments

  175. Em Spearing says:

    Well THANK GOD that girl didn’t give the other a peanut! Dismantle the Department of Education, destroy the NEA and GET YOUR KIDS OUT OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS!

  176. M BAUMAN says:

    This principal is no pal.
    A suspension is adequate punishment, expulsion isn’t warranted.

  177. hondo says:

    The girls were getting high. They got caught because one of them had an “alergic reaction”. Thirteen year old girls are having sex and using drugs. You guys actually believe that she was trying to save her friends life?

  178. AlwysReady says:

    I have asthma and I take medications everyday. I am allergic to many things and when I have an attack I will use any inhaler I can find. The article I read doesn’t say what the allergic reaction was, if it was an allergic reaction, there are no specifics. The young girl said she thought she was having an asthma attack and her friend let her use the inhaler. If the girl thought she had an attack and never had one before, she would certainly feel hyped up. My heart rate goes from 65 to 120 in a matter of seconds, if that is what happened she might have been frightened and the report may have called that an allergic reaction. I am disheartened by the bureaucracy we have in this country that leads people to make insane judgments in these cases. The principal needs to be suspended for a couple weeks so he can think about what he is doing. This is ridiculous. I am sure the girls were not “practicing medicine” as I read in one of these. This country is in trouble.

  179. Jubal says:

    Not to worry, parents. When your child is having a critical asthma attack in school and seconds count, 911 and/or the School Nurse (if they have one) is only minutes away. Yes, the girl made a mistake and needed a course correction. The principal needs an expulsion, and the other girl’s parents need a lesson in preventative medicine.

  180. tnmccoy says:

    Sounds like the principal and school system are peopled with first graders. Would they have been happier if the young girl had died without help? The rule is wrong, and the principal is wrong in applying it. Compassion and help have been replaced by iron PCism, and the Country is the worse for it.

  181. Kim says:

    A severe asthma attack can cause death – and children HAVE died in schools and at home because of this. These are two children – and yes, she was wrong in sharing her medication but her compassion was amazing. She was being a good samaritan, a good friend and was actually acting quite sensibly and quickly. 10 day suspension seems extreme. It was not like she was sharing her ADHD meds for kicks – she was truly worried about a schoolmate. I am a school nurse and I believe the school acted a bit hastily.

  182. David Lisowski says:

    A student using a rescue inhaler in a situation like that should be applauded.When I was down on the barrier island, far from the hospital my wife’s niece had a major attack – and she forgot her nebulizer. We called her doctor, told him I had albuterol, he said to do it. Wham situation over, back to vacation, not the emergency room 20 miles away. As a former Rec League soccer coach I often had kids dropped off all the time that were one breath away from their last. Yet, because of these laws if one of them had a major attack I was told that I was to NOT use my inhaler in any situation. It is preferable for the kid to die than to give them a “drug” without the proper procedures being followed. Good think I don’t soccer coach anymore. What a strange country it is.

    1. Waycinden says:

      David, Colorado has a Good Samaritan law that should protect someone who offers an inhaler to someone having an asthma attack. I wonder if the person who told you not to offer an inhaler in that situation knew about the law.

  183. Kevin says:

    fine. suspend the kids for breaking policy. but an expulsion??? really??? this wasn’t two kids freebasing coke in the girls’ room. this was one girl trying to help another. what good will it serve to kick the kids out of school? THAT is how they need to go in order to teach them a lesson? i am SO tired of the zero tolerance policies of schools that are being instituted by lawyers. common sense left the room long ago.

  184. JAFCO says:

    If you noticed the wording in the report. “because of what could have happened” their facing expulsion. WHAT … And by the way, whose idea was it for the student to keep the inhaler in his/her possession. Most districts keep all students medication in the nurses office. Sounds like someone’s covering their own mistake, “My Principal” …

    1. My $.00002 worth says:

      They are called “rescue inhalers” for a reason. Just like an epi-pen, when things go critical, seconds count, and you don’t want your meds locked away in some administrator’s cabinet. You need it in your possession NOW. At any given time I probably have half a dozen inhalers around: in my home office, on my nightstand, in the glove box of my car. When exercising, I either have one in my hand or perched directly in front of me on whatever apparatus I’m sweating on – because I don’t want to be too far away from one when I need it. And my condition is relatively mild most of the time.

  185. Daisy says:

    The girls were suspended by the same mindless bureaucrats who have demanded that every other school child be placed ON prescription drugs so that the befuddled unionized bureaucrats who ‘teach’ them can have a more manageable classroom.


  186. JMLieder says:

    Ok, so giving another person a prescription drug isn’t a good idea and should be cause for some kind of discipline and taught to not ever do it again and made aware of what the dangers could have been. But expulsion??? Come on!!! A reason to kick the kids out of school, sounds like a great idea. They need to have their butts in the classroom, not kicked to the street. Schools rely entirely too much on no-tolerance policies that it’s getting ridiculous. Why just rely on expulsion? When you violate a school policy rather than use it as a learning experience, just take them out and shoot them. Hell, no learning goes on in schools anyway.

  187. John King says:

    More people die having sex then die from an inhaler.

  188. chris says:

    The best part of this whole argument is that everyone is assuming that these girls are telling the truth….14 year old girls never lie…..

  189. Waycinden says:

    Colorado has a Good Samaritan law which should apply in this situation: it makes no distinction based on the age of the person attempting to give aid, and protects that person from civil liability in the case of a medical emergency, except in the case of gross negligence or “willful and wanton” acts. Why should a child face expulsion from school for a well-intentioned act that would have had no legal consequences for an adult? What lesson are we trying to teach?

  190. Louis says:

    I will remember who this superintendent is. If I ever see him in need of medical attention I will simply ignore him and keep walking.

  191. waywayout says:

    The girls did nothing wrong – both are fine except for being expelled which is sad. The principal is the one which needs permanently expelled from school. He has already proven he no longer is human. Terminate his employment and hire someone that still has a heart beating.

  192. ml66uk says:

    Can we not suspend the principal?

  193. Josh Taylor says:

    Since the two did the crime, they will be held indefinitely under the NDAA and their birth records will be deleted and lose their birthright under the Enemy Expatriation Act. Remember that sharing inhalers count as terrorism.

  194. Dan says:

    It would do us ALL good to keep our children away from these MORONIC,
    STUPID, INCOMPETANT sorry excuses for school administrators.
    What the H..ll were you thinking.
    Hows that for child development WHOA!!
    These kind of people are REALLY!! scarey

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