First Grader Suspended for Biting Sandwich Into Gun Shape
A six-year-old autistic Georgia boy was suspended after biting his sandwich into a gun shape, one of 14 suspensions his mother says fail to accommodate his disability.
John Medina was suspended for the incident at Sara Harp Minter Elementary in March, according to Patrick Reilly and Georgia Worrell writing in New York Post. Since 2023, the young boy has been disciplined at least 33 times, including 14 suspensions, for various behavioral incidents including kicking and punching a student at recess, school records show.
Previous disciplinary actions against John included a suspension for pointing a bottle of water at someone while making gun noises, and punishment for drawing a pilgrim shooting a turkey, records indicate.
The child’s mother, Kristin Medina, expressed bewilderment at the sandwich incident and its consequences. She revealed that her son has internalized the constant disciplinary action, telling her on multiple occasions that he believes he is a “bad kid” – a heartbreaking admission for any parent to hear.
The family is pushing for school officials to properly implement John’s individualized education program (IEP), which includes specific accommodations such as taking him for walks when he becomes overstimulated. To advocate for their son, the Medinas hired Donna Reynolds, a former special education director in another Georgia district.
Reynolds questioned the appropriateness of the disciplinary response, pointing out that six-year-old children generally lack the capacity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. She noted that young children naturally use their fingers and other objects in play, which is precisely why the legal system does not prosecute six-year-olds.
According to Reynolds, John himself is not the real problem – rather, he represents a symptom of a larger systemic issue in how schools handle special needs students.
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Jonathan Patterson told media outlets that the district remains committed to working with parents through challenging situations, whether or not there is agreement on all issues. He emphasized the district’s willingness to continue dialogue to resolve concerns.
Patterson separately noted that federal laws prohibit school board officials from commenting on individual student disciplinary histories or special education matters, limiting what the district can publicly discuss about the case.
With information from New York Post
