A 17-year-old high school student is being forced to change schools after the school board said the current building may not be equipped to deal with his needs.
Roy Stevens has Down syndrome, and must change to a school that is an hour away from his home, WBOY reported.
Roy's story started when he was a freshman at Magnolia High School in New Martinsville, West Virginia, and his parents noticed he became disinterested in school.
Last year, Roy and his parents received permission to attend another school, Hundred High School, one mile away from his home.
His parents said he flourished, joining clubs and even the school band.
"He made so many friends, and now, when he sees people in town, his friends know him. They're not afraid of him. They tell their parents about him and their parents know him," Roy's mother Karen told WBOY.
But during a meeting last month, Roy's' parents were told he would have to attend Magnolia.
According to Wetzel County regulations, students with severe special needs are to attend that school, WBOY reported.
The Stevens family said taking him to Magnolia is a hardship, and they have removed Roy from the school district, WTRF reported.
They are trying to get Roy re-enrolled at Hundred High School and have filed a complaint with the West Virginia Department of Education.
Roy has the support of his now-former classmates.
Over 100 students protested his removal from Hundred Tuesday, WTRF reported
The state education department's investigation could take up to 60 days. After that, the family will be told if the state will uphold the board's decision to not allow Roy to attend Hundred High School, WRTF reported.
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