Readers sound off on zero tolerance

Thank you to Jim de Boom for his article furnishing a historical

perspective on the zero-tolerance policy (“Policy has resulted in safer

campuses, disciplined kids,” July 1) When I questioned the need for such

a strong policy, a longtime Newport-Mesa educator explained this

background to me. The current policy has clearly had the desired effect

of reducing drug and alcohol consumption and the presence of weapons at

school events.

Additionally, similar zero-tolerance policies used in other California

school districts have withstood legal challenges. While some fine-tuning

of the current policy may be in order, this entire issue is quite complex

and the school board would do well to carefully consider all the

implications of possible actions (“District tinkers with no-tolerance

policy,” Oct. 21).

A major concern in adopting a different policy should be uniform

punishments. Without an absolute policy leaving no room for variation in

punishment, how can the school district avoid a two-tier system of

penalties? The penalty should not depend on who committed the offense,

but on the offense. I regard application of the current policy to

children of prominent citizens and even children of high-ranking school

officials as an indicator that some uniformity of penalty exists under

the current system. The perception that penalties varied by “who you are”

was a factor in the tragic events in Colorado.

Parents have the right to send their children to school and to

school-related functions in safety, knowing that there will not be drugs,

alcohol or weapons present and that those who fail to follow the rules

will be removed and penalized. This should be the central focus of any

policy.

CHRISTINE LOFGRENNewport Beach

The shooting of a 17-year-old for stealing a plastic pumpkin was the

ultimate expression of zero-tolerance. Let’s keep the prohibition against

guns and drugs, but let’s change the name of the policy.

LANCE JENCKS

Costa Mesa

I am calling regarding zero-tolerance. Get rid of it. It is not a

punishment that fits the crime and we are not helping the children that

need help badly.

MARGARET DAILEY

Costa Mesa