A former student plans to sue a Phoenix community college in response to being expelled for violating the school's drug policy after testing positive for marijuana, which she takes to ease pain from a medical condition.
Sheida Assar, who was studying diagnostic medical sonography at GateWay Community College, alleges that prior to last month's expulsion she was told by a staff member there would be no issues as she has a medical marijuana card.
But following the test, 31-year-old Assar, of Chandler, told the Associated Press that officials "yanked me out of class in the middle of the school day."
“They escorted me to the administration like I was a … criminal. It’s discrimination, and it also violates my rights under the Arizona medical marijuana law," Assar told the Associated Press.
Assar said she wants the return of $2,000 tuition costs and other expenses, plus damages. School spokeswoman Christine Lambrakis told the Associated Press said the school is in the process of reviewing politics related to the use of marijuana.
Alerts Sign-up