CPS Mulling Whitney Young Discipline

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 24, 2009 5:10PM

A few more details are emerging in the Whitney Young High drinking incident. CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond has confirmed at least 19 of those arrested were students at the school. One WYHS student was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. Bond also confirmed the students were not on a district-sanctioned trip. So if the students were on their own accord, how does the CPS have the authority to expel the students, as has been suggested? We're no legal experts, but we took a look at the school's student handbook, and found no real reference to behavior off of school grounds, except for this vague passage:

Behavior and Discipline Students at Whitney Young are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects self-control and concern for others. Remember, you have been carefully selected to attend Whitney Young and your behavior should be that of a serious student who is a credit to himself and his school.

Conduct To and From School
When you are on the street or on public transportation, you are in the public eye and citizens are fully aware you are a student of Whitney Young High School. You are expected to behave in a manner that is reflective of Whitney Young. This behavior includes observations of all laws, respect for the property of others, and showing courtesy and respect for others

A request for clarification to CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond hasn't been returned yet, but if we hear back, we'll let you know. In the meantime, if any readers have more knowledge of this, feel free to share in the comments below. [Tribune]

Update: In an email to us, CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond indicated that CPS schools do have the authority to punish students for transgressions away from school, saying, "The named students were not part of a school sponsored, chaperoned event. Students are encouraged and expected to conduct themselves accordingly under code of conduct rules. The fact that the law was violated has prompted school officials to garner discipline. Every CPS school official has an obligation to remind students through disciplinary action that illegal behavior cannot be tolerated and that they must accept responsibility for their actions." [emphasis hers]