Nanny State

[Clodfobble]

Nevermind what will happen if Johnny himself shoots a classmate, and it's revealed that he usually spent art class drawing nothing but guns, but nobody did anything.


The other important thing to remember is that the "our hands are tied" argument can be used to one's advantage, as well. School funding is based on actual butts in the seats on any given day. It's usually in their best interest to keep the classrooms full, and to not have to expel or suspend anyone, because you can't fire that teacher mid-year, so every child kicked out equals less money. The only reason to do it at the elementary level is if the kid is a genuine pain in the ass and using more resources than their presence affords. So say Johnny is a royal little shit, a future gang-banger with an entitled mother who shows up at the school on a weekly basis to berate the teacher for not letting Johnny get away with whatever he wants... and one day the principal sees a convenient way to get him expelled, all while claiming "our hands are tied."

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Spexxvet

Here's why that happens. Let's say first grader Johnny drew a picture of a gun, and received a less harsh punishment than was required.

Required? By whom the law or the local school board who have been empowered by the law? In trying to foretell worst case scenarios they take discretion away from principals and teachers?

I believe that laws, to a great extent, have good intentions behind them. There are always unintended consequences.

Yes and yes, that's why flexibility, common sense, is needed.

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

...It's usually in their best interest to keep the classrooms full, and to not have to expel or suspend anyone, because you can't fire that teacher mid-year, so every child kicked out equals less money. The only reason to do it at the elementary level is if the kid is a genuine pain in the ass and using more resources than their presence affords.

So you're saying schools, education, is all about the bottom line. Each student judged on whether they are using more resources than they bring in?

Really, has it gotten that fucked up?