A Georgia family says its 6-year-old son with autism was suspended from school after biting his sandwich into the shape of a gun and pretending to point it at another student during lunch, an incident the parents argue reflects a broader pattern of discipline that failed to take the child’s disability into account, according to Atlanta News First. The family says the first grader at Sara Harp Minter Elementary School in Fayette County has repeatedly faced disciplinary action despite having an individualized education program, or IEP, designed to address his needs, The Daily Mail reported.
According to school disciplinary records reviewed by Atlanta News First, the student accumulated more than 30 disciplinary incidents since 2023, including multiple suspensions, according to WALB. The records include allegations involving physical altercations with classmates, making gun noises while pointing a water bottle and drawing a picture depicting a pilgrim shooting a turkey. The sandwich-related suspension occurred during the previous school year.
The boy’s mother, Kristin Medina, said she was surprised when school officials notified her that her son would be suspended over the lunchroom incident. She said she believes the punishment was inappropriate for a young child with autism and hopes sharing her family’s experience will encourage school officials to reconsider how similar situations are handled in the future…