Quote:
Originally Posted by AGDee
So, does one instance seem silly? Sure, absolutely. Does the rule seem inflexible? Absolutely. But, it's the easy way out for the schools. As long as there is some sort of appeal process (our district does have one), I really can't argue too strongly against their choice. Case by case seems more logical, yes. But schools certainly aren't the only entity to avoid risk by banning something rather than using careful evaluation of each case.
|
Well said, AGDee. I particularly agree with the bolded (my emphasis). My only concern with the appeal process is what happens to the student while the appeal is under consideration? In this student's case, his mom was able to home school him. Most/many students would not have that option available to them. It seems unfair (yes, I know, who said life was fair) for the student to be penalized while the appeal is underway. Kinda tosses out the innocent until proven guilty theory (then again, I recognize the importance of keeping all students safe while determining innocence/guilt).
I'm still on the fence, too. I truly can see both sides. Unfortunately, either side seems like an extreme (way too strict vs. extremely naive). I'm having a hard time finding a way to identify the median. So far, strict policy with an appeal process seems to be the best option.