We received the two following letters from a friend in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. It seems in order for the high school not to advocate the use of any drugs, they found it necessary to halt the business venture of grade 12 student Steven Lemoine. Steven could have been encouraged with his initiative, and the school could have used this opportunity to openly examine the use of cannabis in society. Instead, they chose to simply ignore this opportunity and silence Stephen. They did, however, teach a lesson on how dissent in heirarchical orgizations is dealt with.
Read the following, more contact links are at the bottom.
PRINCE ANDREW HIGH SCHOOL
37 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth
Nova Scotia, B2W 2R7
(902)435-8452, (902)435-8488
Fax: (902)435-8398
TO: Steven Lemoine
FROM: Mr. Mclean, Principal
RE: Sale of post cards featuring cannabis plants
DATE: November 15, 1996
Your proposal to market "Pot post cards" in school as a project for your entrepreneurship class is unacceptable. Furthermore, you are expressly forbidden to display posters at school advertising these cards or to bring them to school for sale.
Last year, you repeatedly attempted to advertise in this school on behalf of the lobby for the legalization of cannabis in Canada. On each occasion it was patiently explained to you that a public grade school is not an appropriate forum for such proselytizing activities. On one occasion this led you to behave in a belligerent and verbally abusive manner in my office. My patience with you on this issue is now at an end.
Cannabis is an illegal product, and selling cards with slogans extolling its virtues at a public school, is out of the question. Also, even if it were legalized, it would be ridiculous for a public school to advocate its use even implicitly. Substance abuse is a festering sore in this country anmd it would be reprehensible for a school principal to tacitly endorse any drug use--alcohol and tobacco included.
You cannot proceed with this notion or any variation of it. If you wish to complete your entrepreneurship credit then you must find a new project.
Do not raise this issue with me or this staff again.
Mr. Mclean, Principal
November 20, 1996
HempBC,
About a week or two ago I ordered some pot postcards from you guys to sell as my business venture in entrepreneurship class. I've been so busy since then that I never had a chance to thank you (even though there was a little mix up in the order at first). The problem was corrected immediately and my order was received the very next day. Thank you very much it really helped me a lot. The cards look great.
I thought that you guys might be interested in the results of my venture. After receiving the cards I was told by my teacher to seek permission from a member of the administration before I started to sell them at school. Right off I knew that this wasn't going to be good, due to the fact that I have already been in trouble and faced suspension, for displaying posters for the cause. I went to the principal with my cards and advertisement and asked for permission. After humming and hahhing for a minute, I was told that he would think it over and get back to me.
Two days later, I went to the office to see him. I was immediatley handed my cards and ad back in an envelope, along with a letter that was completely ridiculous. He was right there beside me, and it was another member of staff who handed it to me. He didn't even have the balls to talk with me.
So, I'm afraid to report that this is a loss for our side. I was told that if I wanted to receive credit for the course I would have to stop immediately. Not to mention that he would probably try to suspend me.
I am however continuing to sell them at a local flea market, where I have found a very positive attitude by other people. They're so interested in cannabis and it's uses that I am swamped by questions, which I try to answer as best I can. When I show them my issues of Cannabis Canada and High Times, they can't believe that this information is out there. They always ask where they can get them so I point them in the right direction. Even people who didn't buy postcards wished me luck.
Once again I would like to thank you for your service. Keep up the good work.
Steven Lemoine
email the Herald
(local newspaper) at newsroom@herald.ns.ca or Prince Albert High School at homepage@pah.ednet.ns.ca
