Ryan Turk, a black student at Graham Park Middle School in Dumfries, Va., was suspended from class after being handcuffed and charged with larceny by a school police officer. Officials say Turk had stolen a 65-cent carton of milk from the school cafeteria, however it was soon revealed that Turk did not have to pay for the milk as he qualifies for the school's free lunch program.
The way Ryan Turk was treated by his school and by the involved police officer was not only in error but it was deeply insulting. Turk committed no wrongdoing; he and his family should be given a formal apology by both the Graham Park Middle School and the Prince William County Police Department.
To whom it concerns:
Graham Park Middle School student Ryan Turk was placed in handcuffs, charged with larceny and suspended from class. Both school authorities and police officials have stated to the public that the original reason for the interaction between Turk and the Prince William County police officer -- the alleged theft of a 62-cent carton of milk -- was not relevant to Turk's punishment.
As such, it is clear that what happened to Turk was not only completely unnecessary but potentially damaging to an impressionable young man.
It behooves both the leadership at Graham Park Middle School and the Prince William County Police Department to drop any and all punishment and charges directed against Ryan Turk; it also behooves both to issue a personal, sincere apology to Ryan Turk and his family.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
