Sending the Message

Student suspended after taking photo of sleeping substitute teacher. Yes, phones are not allowed to be used in class but this seems more to be punishment for embarrassing the school then about using the phone in class. so the message is this: do not embarrass those in authority above you. [Link]

A school faculty member saw the photograph on a social media website and alerted the principal at Mustang Mid-High School, a Mustang School District spokeswoman said. School officials met Friday about the matter.

The photograph shows a closed-eyed man reclining behind a classroom desk. He was apparently substituting for a biology teacher at the school. It's not clear if the photograph was taken during class time.

Cellphones are allowed on school grounds, but cannot be used during class, school officials said.

“We understand the importance of having these devices,” Mustang School District spokeswoman Mary Leaver said. “But we have to maintain a learning environment.”

Family members of the suspended student confirmed the suspension, but declined comment.

Officials wouldn't disclose the names of students they think might be involved in taking the picture and posting it on the Internet. They declined to provide further information on the substitute teacher.

Leaver said administrators are investigating the actions of the substitute and would not comment further, calling it a personnel issue. Leaver said disciplinary action against students is at the discretion of the principal and not discussed publicly.