Lest anyone get bent out of shape about the Another Reason list being pinged.... this is an
I’m glad these school officials realized that they were going WAY overboard in their punishment of this child (and the other).
What amazed me was in one of the updates where they retold the actual events as the “deal went down”. Seriously, you could’ve exchanged the Skittles for ANY illicit drug and it would’ve sounded like a script for an episode of COPS. What with the “pusher” throwing the candy (and presumably running), and the “buyer” shoving it in his pockets...
I can understand, and perhaps even support the rule understanding that candy sales being banned in the school might not be such a bad thing all things considered (I’m sure those Blow Pops we bought from fellow students my Sr. year in HS - budding capitalists that they were - and that we ate EVERY DAY for about a year didn’t HELP my genetically bad teeth).
However, when you read the actual rule, it does sound like it only applied to school sponsored candy sales (i.e. Fundraisers), and didn’t make clear that budding entrepenuers were affected as well. Granted, I don’t have access to the complete rule, but it does seem like what was out of whack in this case was the incredibly harsh punishment received - especially as something like this goes on a “permanent record” and COULD have affected his chances in getting into a good college.
I’m glad the administrators have realized the error of their ways. It’s a shame that it took this case to make them aware of how destructive their “zero-tolerance” plan in this case really was.
I am still worried about these kids though — like someone else pointed out they are creating an atmosphere of contempt for ANY type of authority, because they are getting so many mixed messages through school, and in society nowadays.
Perhaps though it’s a good thing. Nothing teaches someone better than personal experience. I’d hazard a guess that instead of these kids becoming “good little obedient citizens” that they will instead rebel against the overly draconian plans of the liberals instead — once they get away from the daily dose of indoctrination that is.
One can only hope that they don’t instead turn into total Anarchists not realizing that SOME rules (laws) really are a necessity within society.
Sorry for the long “rant”... I probably should’ve put this up on my blog instead! LOL Perhaps I will after a quick re-write...