Orange County student could be expelled for having over-the-counter meds on her

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 has learned an Orange County middle school student could be expelled and sent to alternative school for allegedly carrying medication in her backpack on school property.

Jasmin Selby, 13, suffers from headaches and severe allergies. She had medication in her backpack from an overnight stay one day in February but officials at lee middle school where Selby attends aren't happy she had the medication on her.

"It's not something I take every day to school," she said. "It's simply something I had at my friend's house because she has animals."

A letter shows Selby was suspended and could be expelled for not taking the pills home before she came to school.

School investigators said they found 57 pills mixed in one bottle, including Advil, Benadryl and Alieve.

Even though they're over-the-counter medications, it was considered a violation of the district's code of conduct.

Selby said she had no idea the over-the-counter meds were against school policy, but code shows possession of illicit or mood-altering drugs is a level 4 offense.

School leaders don't comment on student disciplinary issues but told Channel 9 the number of pills found on a student at one time can result in a greater punishment like suspension and expulsion.

The same punishment is typically recommended for possession of illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine, Channel 9's Karla Ray found.

"She's expelled along with actual serious drug abusers or kids that are doing alcohol things like that has killed us," said Selby's father, Bob Selby.

Selby's family has appealed her punishment to the highest level, the school board.

"I think it's crazy," said Jasmin Selby. "It was bad timing and that it was very unfortunate for me."

The Selbys are scheduled to go in front of the school board for their last effort of appeal on April 8.

WFTV