The Penn Manor School District in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is under scrutiny after pressing charges against a 16-year-old student for allegedly stealing $10.50 worth of food from the school cafeteria. The district explained that the decision was made in collaboration with local law enforcement and after previous attempts to address the student’s behavior.
According to LancasterOnline, the student had been involved in other violations, making her ineligible for the Youth Aid Program, which helps students learn from their mistakes without facing formal charges. Millersville Borough Police Chief Jeff Margevich emphasized that theft is illegal, regardless of the amount, and the juvenile system aims for rehabilitation, not punishment.
The district’s decision has sparked backlash from the community, with some offering to pay for the student’s meals and questioning the eligibility criteria for free and reduced lunch programs. Local21News reported that the police reviewed security footage from October 6 to October 8, confirming the student took food without paying…