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Girl suspended for using child-sized butter knife to cut peach at school

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — An honor roll student was suspended from a Florida middle school for using a child-sized butter knife at lunch to cut a peach.

The girl violated the county's weapon policy when she brought the knife that she has used since she was a baby to the Silver Trail Middle School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, WPLG reported.

Ronald and Andrea Souto said their 11-year-old daughter was suspended for six days after she cut her peach to share with a friend.

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The parents are afraid that suspension could also bring criminal charges.

The Pembroke Pines Police Department has given its investigation to the state attorney's office. Prosecutors haven't said if the office will file charges.

The family's attorney said the school could have used discretion in the girl's punishment, WPLG reported.

"The school board has abused its discretion to act in this case," Lary Meltzer said. "It is tragic that a school that this little girl loves to see fit to prosecute and suspend her - the epitome of a model and honor roll student - for using a child-proof utensil that could never be construed in any form as a weapon in order to share part of her lunch with a fellow classmate."

Broward County school district would not give specifics on the girl's punishment, but told WPLG, "The school followed district policy regarding this incident and continues to work with the student and parents involved. It is the district's priority to maintain safe and secure campuses for students and staff at all times."

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