An autistic first-grade student at Sara Harp Minter Elementary School in Georgia was suspended in March after biting his sandwich into the shape of a gun and pointing it at a classmate during lunch, according to reports. The student, 6-year-old John Medina, has a history of disciplinary actions at the school.
John's mother, Kristin Medina, stated that her son feels like a "bad kid" due to the frequent disciplinary measures, which she believes do not adequately consider his disability. School records obtained by Atlanta News First indicate that John has been disciplined at least 33 times since 2023, including 14 suspensions. Previous incidents cited in records include kicking and punching classmates, pointing a water bottle at a student while making gun noises, and drawing a picture of a pilgrim shooting a turkey.
Medina seeks for school officials to adhere to her son's individualized education program (IEP), which includes accommodations for overstimulation, such as taking him for a walk. Donna Reynolds, a former special education director representing the family, argued that a six-year-old without autism might not understand such actions are inappropriate, comparing it to children making finger guns or using sticks as pretend weapons. Reynolds emphasized the need for school officials to consider the child's age, disability, and past behavior to determine if an incident warrants a teaching moment rather than strict discipline.
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Jonathan Patterson told Atlanta News First that the district is committed to working with parents to resolve challenging situations. The principal and assistant principal at Sara Harp Minter Elementary School, as well as the Fayette County Public School District and Reynolds, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Post.