Teacher lets fifth-graders sample non-alcoholic beer

A fifth grade teacher from Hyatt Elementary School in Linden, Michigan allowed her students to drink non-alcoholic beer.

O’Doul’s, the name of the non-alcoholic beer, was brought to school by a student on March 6 for a lesson in history. The non-alcoholic beverage was to represent the ale that people commonly drank in the 1700s because it was often much cleaner to drink than even the water.

The students were each allowed a small sample taste of the non-alcoholic beverage if they wanted.

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According to Liquor Control Commission spokeswoman Andrea Miller, O’Doul’s is advertised as non-alcoholic beer but it does contain a very small amount of alcohol, just like any non-alcoholic beer you’d find in the grocery store. However, she says giving O’Doul’s or similar drinks to minors can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor in Michigan.

Superintendent Ed Koledo, who did not identify the teacher, said that it was a mistake to allow non-alcoholic beer into the classroom.

The Flint Journal reported that Principal Vicki Malkaravage addressed parents in a letter on Friday informing them of what happened.

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Because the label on O’Doul’s says “non-alcoholic beverage”, the teacher thought it would be OK, Principal Malkaravage added in the letter.

The teacher, who Koledo described as a “very responsible person” did not intend to bring any harm to the students. No one has been charged and the student who brought the O’Doul’s to school will not be disciplined, either.

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