A New York high school senior faced an in-school suspension on her first day of school after bringing coffee into class.
Julie Kaputa, an honors student at Beaver River Central School, entered class carrying a latte when a teacher confronted her.
Recalling the moment, Kaputa described her arrival.
“I walked in, I had my coffee with me”.
She noted her teacher presented immediate choices.
“I’m either going to need you to dump that out or consume it on the spot or go down to the office”.
Officials cited rules banning outside drinks to minimize distractions and protect allergic students.
However, Kaputa and her mother argued the board failed to hold a required public hearing before enacting the rule.
Detailing her concern, the senior stressed government openness.
“Transparency in government is a big thing that I care about a lot, and it just kind of struck me as odd that there wasn’t a public hearing”.
After discussions, Kaputa returned to class with coffee, and officials confirmed the discipline will not remain on her record.
The board plans to hold a public hearing on Monday to gather student input.