A student at RS Middle School in Rutherfordton, NC was given an alcohol breath test after school officials say alcohol was smelled on the child.
“I just feel like they violated my child's rights and my rights because I wasn't informed,” said Shakita Goodlett.
Goodlett is upset and says the school should have notified her of the suspicion.
The superintendent for Rutherford County Schools says the administrator was told the child smelled like alcohol. The administrator directed the school resource officer to administer an Alco-sensor test, which can quickly determine the presence of alcohol.
The test came back negative for alcohol with a .000 reading.
Goodlett feels the school should have asked for her permission before giving her 7th grader the test.
"My thing is you can call and tell me that you are going to suspend my child for something, but you can't call and tell me you suspect him of smelling like alcohol?"
School district officials say the law does allow the test to be conducted when there is probable cause, but the child does have the right to refuse. However, the student may still be charged if the officer believes they are under the influence or in possession of alcohol.
Goodlett wants an apology from the district.
An investigation is underway into how the matter was handled.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement