An upstate New York high school senior, suspended for bringing a coffee cup to class, is organizing students to demand the revocation of a new school rule.
Julie Kaputa, a senior at Beaver River Central High School, was suspended on the first day of school, September 3, for having a latte in class. School officials stated the new regulation was implemented to prevent students from bringing in alcoholic or THC-infused beverages. Kaputa argues that the rule is flawed, pointing out that water bottles are still permitted, and the contents of those are also unknown.
Kaputa stated that the policy was not passed with adequate public input. She is proposing a return to the previous policy, which prohibited ordering food and drinks to the school but allowed students to bring their own beverages from home in the morning. Kaputa expressed optimism that the school board will consider their request at the upcoming meeting, where she expects a significant student turnout.
Following her suspension, Kaputa participated in two meetings with school administrators and students to discuss the new policy and its perceived issues. A student-led proposal suggests reinstating the wording from the 2025-2026 school policy.