High Schooler Erin Cox Punished For Being Designated Driver


Erin Cox, a high school senior in Massachusetts, was suspended for five volleyball games and lost her captain position after she acted as a designated driver for a drunk friend.

Two weeks ago Cox received a late night call from a friend asking for a ride. Her friend said she was too drunk to drive and needed a lift. Not wanting her to get behind the wheel Cox jumped into action.

When Cox arrived at the party several students were being arrested for underage possession of alcohol. Police cleared Erin of any wrong doing but school officials punished her for violating a no-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.

Erin’s mother Eleanor Cox says, “She did what she thought was right, and I’m very proud of her.”

Erin Cox spoke with the Boston Herald where she explained, “But I wasn’t drinking… And I felt like going to get her was the right thing to do. Saving her from getting in the car when she was intoxicated and hurting herself or getting in the car with someone else who was drinking. I’d give her a ride home.”

The family hired a lawyer to fight on Cox’s behalf but a judge ruled that the court did not have the jurisdiction to deal with the school’s decision.

Surprisingly the Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Massachusetts didn’t defend Erin’s good deed and instead said her friend should have called an adult for assistance.

When asked if she learned anything from the situation Eric said, “I just feel very defeated. When you’re in high school you’re supposed to stay perfect and be perfect, but everyone makes mistakes.”

Erin stands behind her decision, calling it the “right thing” to do given the circumstances.

Do you think the school has erred in punishing Erin Cox for helping a drunk friend by volunteering to be their last minute designated driver?

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