KXXV-TV News Channel 25 - Central Texas News and Weather for Waco, Temple, Killeen | Call From Iraq: Father Speaks Out Against Son's Suspension

Call From Iraq: Father Speaks Out Against Son's Suspension

by Sara Talbert

COPPERAS COVE- It was a story you only saw on News Channel 25. A student, suspended for answering a cell phone call from his father in Iraq, while at school.

Copperas Cove I.S.D. did not comment when News Channel 25's story originally ran on April 4. 

The mother of the suspended student says the school still hasn't called her back. But Wednesday, News Channel 25 was able get in touch with the school and speak with  the student's father who is stationed in Iraq.

"I want them to respond to me. I want them to change it," said Patricia Hill, the student's mother.

"They haven't called my wife back. I don't know why they haven't emailed or whatever. They probably don't know how to respond," said Master Sergeant Morris Hill.

Copperas Cove High School Principal Dr. Carol Saxenian told News Channel 25 she couldn't comment on any particular student but did say they have procedures in place. Parents are to call the front desk and the school will retrieve the student from class. But the Hills say by that time, the phone call from Iraq will be disconnected, so they opted for the cell phone.

"Some people say it's disruptive. Well that's fine. All he has to do is walk by the teacher's desk and say it's my dad in Iraq and walk out the door," said Patricia.

"The first time I call him, he gets suspended? It just seems absolutely ridiculous," said Morris. 

Dr. Saxenian says it's school policy; There are to be no cell phones allowed during instructional time. She also says in no way would the school keep a student from talking to a parent during an emergency situation.

Patricia Hill says she's written letters to Congressmen, Senators and even the Vice President.

She says she's still waiting on a return phone call from the school.

News Channel 25 spoke with the superintendents office Wednesday who said they did not have any comment.