Zero Tolerance Violates Due Process
A straight-A student in a Houston high school has been suspended for 7 days, stripped of her position on the student council and honor society for bringing a pencil sharpener to school that violated the districts zero tolerance policy. At least her parents are fighting back:
Her parents have said they didn't object to the district banning the sharpener -- typically used in schools in South Korea -- but they said their daughter was not treated fairly and the punishment was too severe. They have filed suit in federal court, saying she was not given due process. In the Houston school district, meanwhile, officials have expelled a Sam Houston High School student accused of beating a teacher. His family will be given due process, meaning they can appeal the charge, because it is required by state law for serious cases.
Her parents have said they didn't object to the district banning the sharpener -- typically used in schools in South Korea -- but they said their daughter was not treated fairly and the punishment was too severe. They have filed suit in federal court, saying she was not given due process. In the Houston school district, meanwhile, officials have expelled a Sam Houston High School student accused of beating a teacher. His family will be given due process, meaning they can appeal the charge, because it is required by state law for serious cases.
# | November 05, 2003