Soddy-Daisy High School Principal Robert Smith defended the decision to suspend a streaker for a semester, though he said the student is "a good kid" and an honor student.
Mr. Smith said a slap on the wrist for the infraction at last Friday night's football game at Red Bank High could have led to numerous streaking incidents and moonings at graduations.
He said the fact the student's mother is a teacher also made it a difficult case.
Mr. Smith said the incident amounted to indecent exposure and put the Red Bank Police in the picture as well as putting county school staff on the spot.
He said, "He ran right through the band. There were young girls who felt the wind when he passed by. There were old ladies in the stands who saw it."
Mr. Smith said the fact the student is an honor student may be a factor during an appeal. The student filed for an appeal of the suspension on Monday.
Mr. Smith as well as the student were interviewed on Talk Radio on WGOW on Tuesday afternoon.
This is the school appeals process:
The appeal has to be filed within 5 calendar days of the suspension/expulsion.
First Level - A hearing is held with three school administrators. The committee may
1) Decide in favor of the school administrator
2) Override the suspension
3) Assign the student to an alternative program
4) Suspend the student for a specified length of time
Second Level - Appeal to the superintendent or his designee within 5 calendar days. Same 4 options apply.
Third Level - Appeal to the School Board. The Board may act upon a review of the record or may conduct a hearing.