It’s an accomplishment when you can get a student to take an interest in chemistry. It’s even more of an accomplishment when a student can find humor in chemistry. Apparently however, chemistry can also be offensive!
A senior in Clayton County, Georgia almost lost the privilege of walking at graduation because of her witty chemistry-related yearbook quote.
The quote:
When the going gets tough, just remember to Barium Carbon Potassium Thorium Astatine Arsenic Sulfer Uranium Phospheros.
What the quote means:
When the going gets tough, just remember to ?BaCK ThAt AsS UP.
No, you’re not alone. I had to look it up too.
School administrators had already given Paris Gray an in-school suspension. They also did not allow her to join her classmates in the senior walk. That’s not all though. She was then told she would not be allowed to walk at graduation.
Paris was kept from participating in the senior walk, and she was slated to give the inspirational speech at the graduation ceremony, but says an assistant principal told her she was out.
Paris is an accomplished young student at the school in many clubs and is also the senior class vice president.
Paris Gray:
It just completely destroyed me, and my mom’s been telling me don’t let it ruin my happiness but it’s like really taking a big toll.
On Tuesday, however, the family had a meeting with the administration who issued her an apology and informed her she would be allowed to graduate and give her speech.
Hanging the once-in-a-lifetime chance at walking at a high school graduation over a student’s head is pretty overbearing over something so trivial. Especially since the school had already issued her two punishments. Let’s not mention the fact that the yearbook staff should have at least questioned the quote. Thankfully though, Paris will get to walk and celebrate her many accomplishments with her classmates!
Liz Lee considers herself a modern woman of the South and hails from the swamps of South Georgia. She votes along no party line and prefers to look at issues from all angles before taking a stance. She takes particular interest in healthcare issues, mental health issues, and the battle for equality. She is also an emphatic advocate for the end to dog breed discrimination legislation. She is a wife, mother of one human child, mother to one furry American Bully, a college student, and also your typical everyday Wonder Woman. When she hangs up her cape, you can find her curled up in her office sewing, collecting Barbie Dolls, writing, playing World of Warcraft, or practicing banjo. You can follow her on Facebook to see what issue she is tackling.
edited by tw
