Friday, August 27, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

EDITORIAL: Meanwhile ...

The ongoing era of hyper political correctness has slain satire. There is nothing one can concoct -- no matter how asinine, idiotic or stupid -- that might not spring forth from this plague.

Consider the case of Terrell Jones, a student at Grayson High School in Georgia's Gwinnett County. Mr. Jones had moved to the area from Hempstead, N.Y. On Monday, he wore a shirt celebrating his hometown with the words "Hempstead, NY 516."

The 516 refers to the Long Island town's area code.

Alas, Mr. Jones was escorted from class at some point during the school day. An eagle-eyed administrator who apparently flunked geography spotted the shirt and thought it referred to marijuana.

Not until Mr. Jones persuaded school officials to search the Internet for the New York town's name did they allow him to return to his studies.

"It's important to remember that the vigilance of our administrators is important," said a spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County schools, who deserves a raise.

It's a good thing the young Jones didn't hail from Intercourse, Pa.