Note: This article was originally published in the October 3 issue of NORML News and titled: Ohio High School Bans Hemp Jewelry; But NORML Will Provide.” Because the article deals with youth and oppressive high school administrations, we thought it was perfect printing material. Permission was given to reprint the article.

October 3, 1996, Eastlake, OH: Students at North High School in Eastlake Ohio who wear jewelry made out of hemp fiber will be sent to principle George Spinner's office and have their parents notified, according to a new policy enacted by school officials this past Tuesday (10-1-96).

According to principle George Spinner, a proponent of the policy, hemp jewelry symbolizes "sympathy" toward marijuana, a view that he believes to be unacceptable in a school environment. "The truth is, they are wearing it because of the relationship of hemp and marijuana."

Spinner noted that the jewelry will not be confiscated, but admits that officials are asking students not to wear it.

Several students have approached Northcoast NORML to complain about the new policy and some have begun to hand out fliers challenging the rule. Over 1,500 students attend the school.

Critics of the policy argue that the new rule inhibits freedom of expression and amounts to nothing more than harassment.

"It's extremism on the [anti-drug] issue," said Northcoast NORML chapter president John Hartman, who announced that he would provide hemp clothing and twine to interested students. "Is the intention to pick out students and harass them or attempt to enforce their drug-free school policy? Either way, [it's] persecuting them for wearing [legal] hemp jewelry."

"By their own admission, school officials are trying to suppress a political statement about our government's policies toward marijuana and industrial hemp," said NORML Deputy Director Allen St. Pierre. "This harassment clearly infringes upon a student's constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression."

For more information, please contact John Hartman of Northcoast NORML at (216) 521-9333. E-mail may be sent to: NCNorml@aol.com.