"By giving the friend the over-the-counter medication {a Midol pill}, Lindsey violated a Bossier Parish School Board policy forbidding drugs on campus. As a result, Lindsey, who had never been a discipline problem, was forced to attend a six-week drug and alcohol awareness program and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. She also had to attend an alternative school for the remainder of her eighth-grade year and the first nine weeks of her first year in high school."
I personally agree with banning some minor actions, such as taping "kick me" signs on student's backs, that are mean spirited or demeaning in nature. I disagree with winking at such practical jokes for two reasons. While we often recognize the affects on those bullied, we don't appreciate the steps that led to bullying behaviors in the bully. Mean spirited jokes are often the first step towards full blown bullying, as well as being used as an excuse for bullying. "Oh, I was misunderstood; I was just joking!"
The second reason is that the practical joker often can't accurately predict how the joke will be perceived by the recipient. Think of what you are sensitive about. Do you want that to become someone else's entertainment? We all have inner issues, both visible and invisible to others. Instead of living in a society that finds ridiculing a person entertaining, wouldn't it be better to foster a society of respecting other's boundaries as well as fostering empathy?
At the same time, this story is a great example of policy making stupidity. Other examples include stories such as the student suspended for hugging to enforce the school's sexual harassment policies. Solid, effective policies do not separate common sense from the policy.
If you'd like to read more about this issue, you can read more at: Zero Tolerance: Political correctness displaces common sense
