A Columbus, Ga., high school student returned to class Monday after a suspension that followed a cell-phone conversation with his mother in Iraq was cut short. Spencer High School shortened the 10-day suspension assigned to junior Kevin Francois, who violated his school’s mobile phone ban when he talked to his mother on his lunch break, CNN reported. However, school officials said the suspension was in response to his reaction to a teacher who attempted to stop the call and confiscate the phone. The school claims he shouted profanities at the teacher. Francois denies the claims. Principal Olivia Rutledge, Assistant Principal Al Parham and two school counselors met Monday with Francois and his aunt, a statement released by the school said. “Kevin is now back in class at Spencer, following a conference in which behavior expectations were discussed and methods of supporting Kevin were outlined,” the statement said. The incident attracted national news media attention Friday, causing a barrage of e-mails to the school. School officials said Friday afternoon the suspension would be shortened to the two days he had served. © Copyright 2005 by United Press International

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