School Bans Mother from Ceremony over Vocal Criticism of Son's Detention

[The Straight Story]

School Bans Mother from Ceremony over Vocal Criticism of Son's Detention


PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- For a parent, a child's high school graduation can be one of the proudest moments of their life, but one Pennsylvania mother may have to miss out on that special day with her son all because of her use of the word "Nazi."

Maurine Callmann said she was told she would not be allowed to attend the Kutztown Area High School graduation because of a heated meeting she had with administrators regarding detention.

"I wanna go to my son's graduation. I want to sit there with a smile," Maurine told NBC Philadelphia Wednesday.

The problems began for the mom when her son, Austin, was given an hour of detention for taking a picture of a friend in the cafeteria September 2009. Austin claims he was allowed to take pictures around the school for a digital photography class, but nonetheless was disciplined.

After finding out about the detention, Maurine said she grabbed the school's student handbook to read up on their policy for camera use on school grounds.

The handbook clearly states: "Text messaging, taking photos/videos, and other uses of the cell phone during the school day are strictly prohibited," but there's no mention about the use of digital cameras or camcorders or their use for school projects.

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