No expulsion for student who turned in knife at Fox Chapel football game (Pittsburgh: lawyers, home)

[villageidiot1]

No expulsion for student who turned in knife at Fox Chapel football game - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Does it get anymore stupid than this?

The incident occurred during a Friday night home football game on Sept. 13
when David realized that he had forgotten to remove a hunting knife he had in
his jacket pocket. He had been using the knife to help clear a wooded area near
his home.

When he realized he had the knife in his pocket as he approached the school's
stadium gate, he took the knife out and gave it to a security guard, who
allowed David to enter the game.

School officials said their zero-tolerance policy required David to be suspended for 10 days for bringing a weapon onto school property. The problem is he did not bring a weapon onto school property. David did the right thing and he is being punished for it. If I was the parent, I would not have made this agreement.

Times have really changed. I always carried a penknife to school when I was in elementary school. The boys used to compare who had the coolest penknife.

[hinsey86]

I hate when I see places, schools especially, lose the ability to use judgement. Zero tolerance laws benefit the zero intelligent.

[gg]

Originally Posted by villageidiot1

School officials said their zero-tolerance policy required David to be suspended for 10 days for bringing a weapon onto school property. The problem is he did not bring a weapon onto school property.

What do you mean the student didn't bring the knife onto school property? He did. Oh and it wasn't a "pen knife". It was a very large hunting knife. Believe me, the kid is probably happy. It will not go on his record at all. Believe me, that kid's parents are thrilled. It could have been expulsion and on his record. Pretty rare thing, but it happened several days ago. Not sure why they put it on the news now. Guess it was a slow news day.

[gg]

Originally Posted by hinsey86

I hate when I see places, schools especially, lose the ability to use judgement. Zero tolerance laws benefit the zero intelligent.

Do you have any idea what you are talking about? They didn't put it on his record? Seems they use a TON of judgement and took it very easy on him. Here is a thought. READ!

[Moby Hick]

Fox Chapel students probably have more lawyers than knives, which is probably scarier. Both are less scary than a school who tries to expel a student who turns in a knife to the security guard.

[gg]

Originally Posted by Moby Hick

Fox Chapel students probably have more lawyers than knives, which is probably scarier. Both are less scary than a school who tries to expel a student who turns in a knife to the security guard.

I suspect they sat down and come to this compromise. Seems like a perfect fit for a school that has a no weapons tolerance rule in place. Wow just think, they have a no weapon law on school grounds. Can you imagine? At a school? What is wrong with this country? Come on people, use some common sense here. Have you heard about a few school shootings and school violence? Do you think kids should be cruising around with knives and guns there? Get real! Seems the compromise would be great for both.

[North Beach Person]

As an observer from outside, and we have the same regs here, the first place you need to complain about zero tolerance policies is PA Department of Education then work your way down to the local elected school board. Schools only implement polices for which they have a directive.

[okaydorothy]

Last year an identical thing happened to my son. He was in 8th grade and is a member of a junior military service(won't say which one). He was leaving that weekend for camp and wore his bdu's pants. He was leaving class, stood up and unfortunately a small (less than 2 inches) penknife fell out. He didn't realize it and kept walking. A girl showed the teacher who asked the class whose knife was it.
My son said it was his. Immediately a 10 day suspension. We felt it was handled the correct way, he did all his work while he was out. In a meeting the teachers felt terrible, one had tears but it is a zero tolerance policy. We were told that he could have had a 45 day or a year out. It will not be on his record either.

[hinsey86]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

Do you have any idea what you are talking about? They didn't put it on his record? Seems they use a TON of judgement and took it very easy on him. Here is a thought. READ!

Unlike you...yes I do read before I run my mouth. Drink water Curtis...but not grey.
I think they like most are afraid to say..."this really is not what was intended."

[hinsey86]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

As an observer from outside, and we have the same regs here, the first place you need to complain about zero tolerance policies is PA Department of Education then work your way down to the local elected school board. Schools only implement polices that for which they have a directive to do so.

I get that. I have always fought against them wherever I worked. I truly believe they keep people from thinking.