"Gun Free" School Zones don't seem to be working

[racer32]

Another problem is that we apparently don't mean what we say. Why are the expulsions for less than one year if the law says they are supposed to be for AT LEAST one year?

My problem is ...
What is an expulsion to the offender other than a vacation from rules?

True punishment would be REQUIRED attendance for them.

Expulsion just means that they CAN be on the streets doing what they want! i.e.dealing drugs, stealing cars... etc.

Here in Texas an expulsion doesn't mean a 1-year vacation from school. When a student is expelled, they are required to go to school at a JJAEP. Also, an expulsion cannot extend past the end of the school year (not a calendar year) without review unless it occurs during the last 6 weeks of school. That said, most school districts I've been familiar with rarely ever actually expel anyone...most of the time students are given in-school suspensions and the occasional AEP placement. In my experience the only time a student ever gets expelled is when he or she commits a "must-place" offense. IMHO, schools are WAY too soft on unruly students.

FWIW, I'm all in favor of legalizing CHL carry on campuses.

[KBCraig]

IMHO, schools are WAY too soft on unruly students.

To make up for it, they're way too harsh on students who aren't unruly.

They give up on the bad kids, and let them do what they want. But when good kids have a bad day or a slip-up, they're on them like a ton of bricks.

"Alternative school" is self-perpetuating, and it brings in the money just like special education does. The slightest infraction --answering without raising your hand first, for instance-- resets the student's time there, and they have to serve the whole sentence over again. They usually stay there until they can quit (which is the end of the school year in which they turn 18).

Yes, "sentence". Alternative school is juvenile detention for the school day. I would never, ever allow one of my kids to fall into that trap.

When my oldest was attacked on the bus and had the nerve to protect himself instead of assuming the approved fetal position, they smacked him with 45 days in alternative school -- just like the attacker! We told them no way, and withdrew him. He finished home schooling and took his GED earlier than he would have graduated, and is now a PFC in the Army.

I don't have a high opinion of Texarkana ISD.

Kevin

[Photoman]

IMHO, schools are WAY too soft on unruly students.

To make up for it, they're way too harsh on students who aren't unruly.Kevin

Yep. My son popped another kid in the ol' kisser after the kid gave him some trouble on the playground. I got the call to come pick him up and was told the police would be called next time! Oh...by the way...my son was in KINDERGARTEN at the time! What a joke.

[dws1117]

When I was in school, which wasn't too long ago, the schools handled thier own dicipline. There were no cops called. There were no 8 year old felons. No, we got our butts tanned, then we cried and went back to class. Or, if it was a bit more minor offense we stayed after school.

If it was determined that we were just defending ourselves then we were told good job and the the other kid deserved what he got. Sometimes the bullies weren't too bright.

Calling the cops is the most rediculous thing in the world. Kids should be taught to respect police, not fear them.

Sorry for the rant, schools calling the cops just ticks me off.