Missouri woman sues school after son suspended for posting picture of soda cans in shape of a gun

Images of Dr. Pepper can AK47 art
Photo credit Howell County Circuit Court

KANSAS CITY - A middle schooler in West Plains, Missouri, took some Dr. Pepper cans and created the shape of an AK-47. He says he did it as part of a trend called can art. He posted a picture on Snapchat.

Someone saw the post and a parent complained to the school. When the student arrived the next morning he was searched and suspended for 3 days for cyberbullying. Now his mother is suing the school.

Legal Analyst Brad Young says this case is fascinating for a number of reasons "Because it brings into play here...issues related to free speech. It also brings into play the question of how far can schools go to regulate off campus speech."

The 13-year-old did not bring a gun to school, nor did he bring the cans to school.

The school claims the post "brought fear to other students" and could be interpreted as a threat.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Howell County Circuit Court