TYT: Zero Tolerance Policies in School Make Zero Sense

[MrObama]

Run time: 08:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBvs4Mdi84I   Posted on YouTube: October 17, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: October 19, 2009 By DU Member: MrObama Views on DU: 491

 

[donco6]

1. Not defending the school at all, but -

I hope everyone remembers that zero-tolerance policies were FORCED upon schools by legislatures passing laws requiring them to be put into place - sometimes even specifying exactly what the consequences would be for violation. 3 inch "knife" - automatic explusion for one year.

Here, however, the school does have the discretion to determine what constitutes a "knife."

[Piewhacket]

3. I think it doubtful the child understood what he was doing violated the rules....

a child of that age must be treated more flexibly than
'zero tolerance'

that is the fundamental problem with superficial "political"
laws drafted to fit 10 second sound bites at election time,
written by stupid republicans and stupid democrats for a
stupid electorate, these laws give predictably insane results.

'zero tolerance' should be reserved for especially serious
problems, like stupid politicians and stupid school officials.

[Piewhacket]

2. I think the kid no knows he shouldn't have brought his camping kit to school. duh.

I'm rarely (this is the first time!) critical of TYT, but
they don't actually seem to get that the kid will not be
allowed to return to school. 45 days out means he's out,
permanently.

another school might be persuaded to take him.

but 'zero tolerance' is just a catchy name for an illegal policy.
I have zero tolerance for school boards who whack out on this
stuff. The board where I live made a policy and practice
of automatic suspension instead of detention .. until they were sued
because the 'policy' was in direct violation of state law.
A $500,000 award (and that is a lot in a poor district!)
still didn't deter them, and one principle had the temerity
to continue the practice. A few choice words with the district's
lawyer and the policy was unequivocally revoked and
the assistant superintendent responsible ahem... resigned.
The principle finished out the year and was replaced.
That was 2006 in the Bay Area. Assholes abound everywhere.
And some are actually trying to destroy the public school system.

The real pisser was, it isn't their money.. its money for the kids.
Zero tolerance for incompetent assholes. hangin's too good for 'em.