Student-run zero-tolerance forum tonight

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT-MESA -- In an effort to overturn a policy that uses separation to

solve problems, students at Newport Harbor High School are bringing

people together.

A group of advanced placement government students at Newport Harbor have

called a town meeting tonight to discuss the district’s controversial

“zero-tolerance” policy.

The policy calls for the immediate transfer of students the first time

they are caught using drugs or alcohol at a school event. If a student is

caught a second time, they face more serious penalties, which often

include expulsion.

The group of Newport Harbor students say the policy fails to address the

real issue.

“Instead of just having the problem moved, we’d like to mandate some kind

of counseling,” said AP government student Rebecca Carroll.

An alternate suggestion to the absolutist policy, students said, is to

give offenders options, including transfer and extensive counseling or

just the counseling.

The problem may not be the influence of friends, but that the students

may just need help, Carroll said.

Students also argue that the rules are already being compromised.

“It’s not being enforced properly,” Carroll said. “It really doesn’t

apply to everyone. If it’s an athlete or someone important to the school,

then it doesn’t apply.”

Although it is the government class that wants to reform the policy, the

meeting will be hosted by the Student Political Action Committee, a club

at Newport Harbor High.

That committee will not take a stand on the issue, said President Patrick

Sharma, adding that he sees both sides of the issue and expects some

sparks to fly.

“I have some very mixed feelings on the topic,” said PTA president

Barbara Yeager. “I’ve found that the zero-tolerance policy acts as a

deterrent. But I think the kids have a point ... for a kid with a serious

substance abuse problem, it won’t help just to move them.”

Students who want to see a change in policy agree there is a problem,

Carroll said, but they want to get everyone’s opinions and ideas about

the best way to handle the situation.

A diverse, five-person panel has been assembled to ensure that all views

are heard. The students will be represented by Courtney Rostan. She will

be joined by Lynn Bloomberg, a drug and alcohol counselor with the

district; Mike Murphy, director of alternative education and student

services; Newport Harbor teacher Joe Robinson; and Yeager of the PTA.

WHAT: Town hall meeting on the district’s zero-tolerance policy

WHEN: 7 p.m. today

WHERE: St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 600 St. Andrews Road

SPONSORED BY: Newport Harbor’s Student Political Action Committee and

AP Government class