resurrectionsong

December 05, 2003

The Brilliance of Zero-Tolerance Laws Again on Exhibit

A high school sophomore who brought Advil to school is being suspended from school for a year. The school administrators have had the need to use their own mental processes and judgment obviated by a state law that requires punishment for any possession of prescription and non-prescription drugs.

In essence, Advil is marijuana is crack is crystal meth is aspirin. Somehow, the state passed legislation that is just this insanely stupid.

Even worse, in this case, though, is that the possible punishments included in-school suspension. The article explains that the student was average in grades and had never had serious discipline problems. So, for having a bottle of Advil in her purse, although she was apparently not a child with a serious discipline problem, she was suspended from school for one full year.

Of course, I'm fairly convinced that people allow laws like this to be passed simply to absolve them of any responsibility to make their own damned decisions. It's easier to point to a law and then simply wash your hands of the situation, apparently, than it is to make anything resembling your own sensible decisions.

Jesus, it's almost enough to make me want to join the Libertarian party.

Read the rest of the story.

Posted by zombyboy at December 5, 2003 12:35 PM | TrackBack

Comments

I agree with you, but....

These sort of stories are all over the place. I've lost count of how many times zero tolerance has been misused.

That's what PTA and School Boards are for, though, aren't they? The first time a parent reads about an event like this, they should be in front of the next School Board meeting, asking what their schools policy is. They should demand to know if there is a Zero Tolerance Policy, and ask if it is tempered with common sense. They should demand that any Zero Tolerance Policy violation should be reviewed by the school board before the punishment takes effect, or something.
The only excuse for this sort of story to be happening still is apathy on the part of parents.
If they can't get the school board to respond, they should get involved in the campaigns for school board seats.

Posted by: nathan at December 5, 2003 02:33 PM

zero tolerance policys can suck badly.
What is a teenage girl supposed to do during those times of the month and need some comfort? I am just guessing here that's why she had it.

Posted by: shelli at December 5, 2003 04:34 PM

Join the Libertarian Party? That's some desperation, there.

Posted by: Walter at December 5, 2003 05:25 PM

You're always welcome.

http://www.lp.org/action/join.php

You might enjoy the monthly newsletter even if you don't join. If not, just make sure you don't vote for idiots that make policies like that.

Posted by: Trigger at December 6, 2003 07:12 AM

Ugh! I count it as yet another reason I'll be homeschooling.

Posted by: Dana at December 6, 2003 07:43 PM