Mass. high school senior expelled over prank-turned-cyberbullying

By: Barry Leibowitz
Topics: Daily Blotter

Southbridge High School in Massachusetts, where a senior was expelled after online prank aimed at a teacher spun out of control.

/ CBS Boston

(CBS) SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. - A high school senior in central Massachusetts says he didn't expect an online prank targeting a teacher to spiral out of control the way it did - but now he's been expelled, and his college plans are apparently on hold, CBS Boston reported.

The cyberbullying case began in September when Southbridge High School student Chris Latour went on a popular Internet message board and posted the password that gave anyone access to a web portal run by his English teacher.

"It was supposed to be a senior prank where kids would go in and post funny photos," says Latour.

Instead, students lashed out against the female English teacher with a barrage of vulgar, sexually derisive insults, sending the newlywed to psychological counseling.

Police traced the comments to mostly overseas IP addresses and none to Latour himself. But because he provided the password, he was held accountable. First, he was given a 10-day suspension. Then, last week, he was expelled.

"I did my 10-day suspension I think that was fair because I made the mistake, but the whole expulsion thing is just taken it out of proportion," Latour said.

"They took everything, everything away from him," says his grandmother Vivian. "He can't go to college, he don't have a scholarship no more."

The senior had an 87 average in the class and says he apologized to the teacher, but that it wasn't well-received.

"I'd like to go back to school," says Latour. "I'd like to get my diploma and go to Westfield State like I'd planned on but I don't see that happening."

The superintendent, principal and police all declined to discuss the incident.

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by wamatkins December 6, 2012 4:58 PM EST: this boy got exactly what he deserved. he has destroyed another persons hopes and dreams only fitting his are. let this be a lesson to internet bullies everywhere. people are tired of your bullying. and you will be held accountable. for your crimes against humanity.; Reply to this comment

by maddog144 December 5, 2012 5:05 PM EST

Deserves every bit of it. So tired of hearing about people doing hateful things and then expressing uproar when the punishment is "out of proportion to the crime." He took a calculated risk, KNOWING he would get into trouble. Problem is that he thought the trouble would be a little slap on the wrist and he would move on with his life. I'm glad it backfired on him. Here's an idea--don't do hateful things, and you needn't worry.

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by wamatkins December 6, 2012 4:53 PM EST: agreed this boy took everything from this young teacher. she has had to seek counseling. the punishment does fit the crime.


by ge556 December 5, 2012 11:30 AM EST: Obvious to you. Not to him. Some teens don't seem to be very good at understanding the dangers of today's communication technologies. Otherwise they wouldn't send each other nude pictures of themselves and schoolmates, would they?

I hope lots of teens hear about this, and can learn from his experience. But a lot of teens aren't very good about learning from others' experience either.; Reply to this comment


by caljack430 December 5, 2012 9:43 AM EST: Apology wasn't well received? SHOCKING. While I believe the kid may be truly apologetic... jeez he's a moron. Interesting idea for a prank, but what did you THINK would happen if you posted a password on a completely public forum?? I think it should be obvious that you are going to lure more people than just your classmates.; Reply to this comment