Another supporting example of the Theory of Unintended Consequences.
The
Zero Tolerance legislation related to weapons, drugs, bullying, and violence in schools came about in response by legislators, state education agencies, and school boards/administrators to the demands of parents, so-called "Safe Schools" organizations, and their attorneys regarding their dissatisfaction over the handling of such matters on an individual basis and an idea that some form of 'standardized' process would provide a better solution for all concerned. This idea runs contrary to our legal system - under which extenuating and mitigating circumstances are to be considered when adjudicating such matters - and has since proven to be nearly as large a problem as the original issues it was supposed to correct.
This case of the honor student with the small pocket knife in his glove compartment is a good example; we have discussed others on this web-site.
Right or wrong - the lad broke the '
rules' in existence, and I am sure he and his parents signed a form at the beginning of the school year stating they understood and would abide by those rules. What would happen for breaking the
'rules' at the USMA where he wants to go?
And so it goes...
Richard's $.02
