Question:  Is the new “zero tolerance” violence  policy in some schools resulting in over-punishment of students?  Does it defy common sense?

Answer:  Yes!  The truth is, common sense just really isn’t that common these days.  Some schools are overreacting in their responses to what used to be considered normal children’s behavior.   Inappropriate behaviors that used to be treated with a firm talking to or maybe a “time out” are now being punished with more severe reactions or even, suspensions.  A few recent examples of this include:  a 5-year-old Pennsylvania girl who was labeled a “terrorist threat” for threatening to shoot her friend with a toy bubble gun.  (See http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/01/19/5-year-old-suspended-labeled-a-terrorist-threat-for-threatening-to-shoot-friend-with-toy-bubble-gun/.)   There was also a 3-year-old, deaf  Nebraska boy  named Hunter, who was asked to change his name  because the sign language version resembles weapons.  The sign involves crossing his fingers while keeping his thumbs up and wagging his hands.  (See http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/08/28/school-allegedly-asks-deaf-preschooler-to-change-his-name-because-sign-language-version-resembles-weapons/.)   Yet another story involves a high school girl who was an honor student with a good reputation.  She accidentally mixed the wrong chemicals together at school and caused a small explosion.  No one was hurt.  She was expelled and arrested as a result of this.  (See http://www.businessinsider.com/kiera-wilmot-arrested-for-science-explosion-2013-5.)   Eventually, this teen was cleared of the charges against her, and  she was allowed back at school.  These are just a few of the stories in the news today involving school officials overreacting — in the opinion of many.  They remind us of the people referred to in the Bible in Romans 1:22, “Professing to be wise, they became fools…” (NKJV)

Obviously, there is a need for schools to practice good safety measures when it comes to dealing with student violence.  There have been far too many tragedies occurring in our schools.  But school officials need to be wise in dealing with inappropriate student behavior.  They need to make sure the punishment fits the crime.  As Believers, we know that when we need help with knowing what the wise thing is to do, we pray to God  in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  Unfortunately, school officials today have been told to keep Jesus out of our schools.  We also know that since prayer was legally taken out of schools back in the 1960’s, violence and other social problems have steadily increased in schools across the country.  No amount of anti-violence programs will ever truly work until schools get back to the teachings of God’s Word, the Bible.  This is the only way educators will be able make really wise decisions on school violence.  Step one is found in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”   Like all of us, school leaders need to remember this and return to using the common sense the good Lord gave them!

Helpful Links:

Focus on the Family     http://www.focusonthefamily.com

Crown Financial Ministries     http://www.crown.org

The Christian Broadcasting Network   http://www.cbn.com

World Magazine     www.worldmag.com