More than two-dozen middle school students were arrested and jailed after a food fight broke out inside the Calumet middle-school campus of Perspectives Charter Schools.
The children, ages 11 to 15, were booked on charges of reckless conduct, a misdemeanor, reports The New York Times. According to the report, parents are now questioning the criminalization of a typical adolescent prank. Some are concerned over the psychological impact of the arrests.
The 25 students were released to their parents but were also suspended for two days.
An on-campus police officer called for backup after the food fight got out of hand. Perspectives Charter Schools President and Co-founder Diana Shulla-Cose called the incident “unfortunate.”
If convicted, the children may be sentenced to community service or probation.
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