Mothers with young children who are named Student of the Month and are known for their high grades aren’t typically what you think of when you imagine criminals, yet that is what one mother in Georgia currently is because of her son’s three unexcused absences.
Julie Scott Giles and her son Sam live in Georgia, where Sam attends public school in Screven County. His school has a policy that allows students to have up to 6 unexcused absences per year, and Sam was reported to have 12 at the time of arrest. However, Julie explained via Facebook that while Sam was 6 absences over the limit, 3 of those ended up being excused because Sam’s doctor reissued 3 notes that Sam had never turned in. This means that Julie’s arrest was over just 3 unexcused absences.
Giles explained that her son is often sick and that she can’t always take him to the doctor’s each time to obtain an official note because of the costly fees. Her son reportedly has 4 A’s and 4 B’s, showing that although he may be absent more than others, he still manages to excel in school. He also was named Student of the Month and his teacher stated that Sam was chosen because of his willingness to help others and participate in their activities, even if it wasn’t his first choice.
Giles took to Facebook to document her case and the procedures she endured, even posting before she decided to turn herself in to be arrested. She stated that although the arrest went quickly and no bondsman was needed after she was photographed and booked, she was “actually placed in ankle shackles!”
Sheriff Mike Kile from Screven County confirmed the arrest and claimed that ankle shackles are a standard procedure for every arrest. Superintendent William Bland from Screven County Schools said that the school district is absolutely working within the law and that, “It’s important for these children to be in school and I think the courts recognize that.”
Giles stated that, “I can be proud of my mothering, with or without shackles and mug shots, because the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”
What do you think about Giles’ arrest? Do you think that the school took it too far? Comment your thoughts below and share this article!
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