Students Barred from Graduation After Zero-Tolerance Drinking Policy Violation

Nine Anne Arundel county students were reportedly barred from graduation due to accusations of drinking; however, according to Anne Arundel County Public Schools spokesman Bob Mosier, at least one student was allowed to graduate after filing a circuit court injunction.

The students attend , which has a zero-tolerance policy regarding student drinking. According to WJZ, the students were unable to attend prom or senior and graduation ceremonies and were also suspended from school for three days.

The Board of Education's policy JCC-RAC includes regulations against both the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. "Constructive possession" is defined as "failing to remove oneself from a situation or area where alcohol or other drugs are known to be present," even if that student did not necessarily consume or possess alcohol themselves. Action may be taken against students for constructive possession as well as actual possession, consumption and distribution.

"We make very plain every year in multiple ways to graduating seniors what the procedures are for alcohol-related violations," said Mosier, who added that he was unable to comment on specific student cases. "If you look at our student handbook, there is a page in the front that parents sign acknowledging that they have read the handbook and the policies inside."

As the school year draws to a close, county schools make an extra effort to remind students of the policies regarding drinking.

"Every high school in this county talks to their seniors about this regulation every single spring," added Mosier. "It's obviously in place for a very good reason. The last thing you want to do is have a student or multiple students' lives harmed because somebody got careless with alcohol or did something illegal. The prohibition is clear right there."

Northeast held their prom on May 14 and seniors . Students all over Anne Arundel county were reminded about the consequences of drinking.

"When you get to the senior celebration time of the year it can become very prevalent," said Mosier. "That's why we make the regulation very clear."