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The school board reversed their decision and Matthew's record is officially wiped clean. Thank you for staying loud until they had no choice but to listen. Keep an eye on our school board meetings to ensure this kind of overreach does not happen again.

December 4, 2009

Help Matthew Whalen !!

Help Matthew Whalen !!

🏆 Won — 510 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Chris
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Ken A.
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cheap s.
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John S.
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Karen
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Anniqa B.
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Alex M.
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Michael D.
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Someone
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Camille B.
+500 more
Started by Anonymous 17 years ago
Matthew Whalen is an Eagle Scout, who studied CPR at age 12 and thus saved his aunt's life when he was 13. That felt pretty good, so he took it upon himself to always be prepared to save lives. To this end, he now keeps a sleeping bag in his car, along with some other helpful items like a change of clothes, water bottles, and a key chain knife (given to him by his granddad). When his high school (Lansingburgh High School in New York) learned, from a friend, that he had a "weapon" in his car, Matthew was suspended. For 20 days. He is worried this may affect his chance to go to West Point. The District Superintendent backs the punishment saying it is "appropriate and fair". We don't agree. The full story may be found at the link provided. Sign this petition ... let them know how you feel! WE WANT THIS WIPED FROM HIS RECORD!!! Petition signatures will be forwarded to the Whalen Family, Lansingburgh High, District School Board and TimesUnion.com Thank you!

Updates

Reached 500 supporters

October 31, 2009

October 30, 2009

We are approaching 500 signatures and need to maintain this momentum to show the school board we mean business. Post the link to your Facebook feed right now and send a direct email to the Lansingburgh District Superintendent telling him this suspension is unacceptable.

October 20, 2009

The school board is refusing to acknowledge the absurdity of punishing an Eagle Scout for keeping emergency supplies in his car. Call the district office today and demand they clear this record before it ruins his future at West Point.

Reached 100 supporters

October 15, 2009

October 13, 2009

We are approaching one hundred signatures and need a final push to hit that milestone before I contact the school board. Take a moment to text three friends and urge them to read Matthew's story immediately.

6 Comments

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Linda Schwartz
16 years ago Featured

Poor kid. He was just being responsible. My son keeps stuff in his car just in case too. Zero tolerance policies are a joke.

M
Mike Hale
16 years ago Featured

Total overreaction by a school district that clearly has nothing better to do. Let the kid go to West Point.

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Sarah Morgan
16 years ago Featured

This is absolutely ridiculous. He is an Eagle Scout trying to be prepared and they treat him like a criminal. Leave him alone.

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Jason Saleh
16 years ago Featured

20 days for a pocket knife? Are they serious? Absolutely insane.

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Brenda Griffin
16 years ago Featured

What a shame. This boy has a bright future and they are trying to ruin it over literally nothing. Fix this record now.

T
Tom Abadi
16 years ago Featured

Unbelievable. Common sense is officially dead at Lansingburgh High.