STUDENT KICKED OFF SCHOOL BUS FOR MOCK DRILL TEAM RIFLE

(Vermillion, OH) This story seems to be another case of overkill by well-meaning bureaucrats.

A member of the award-winning Vermilion High School flag corps who is trying out for the rifle-twirling team was ordered off her school bus this week because her mock drill rifle was considered to be a danger to other students.

I don't see it their way, but I can understand their position. What troubled me most about this story was the statements of Assistant Superintendent Thomas Easterday.

He said that students are permitted to carry instruments up to the size of a trombone on school buses, "but I question even those items being allowed."

So, the trend is toward a prohibition of musical instruments. That would be disturbing.