Zero Tolerance

Well, I live in Delaware and was very dismayed to see the Christina School District in Newark, Delaware not only on the local news, but on the national news this morning. It seems that little 6 year old Zachary Christie had just become a cub scout and was very excited about a new camping utensil he had received. It was a "combo" camping utensil that was a spoon, fork, knife combination. In his excitement, he brought it to school and wanted to use it to eat his lunch. This child is a straight A student, never gets in any trouble and even wears a suit to school some days because he takes it so seriously.

So, what happened to him? He got suspended for 45 days and is being sent to REFORM SCHOOL. His mother is instead home schooling him. Personally, I think the child is much better off being home schooled by his mom - she seems to be a level headed, bright individual who has a lot more sense than those idiots in the school system. However, the little boy would like to go back to school and feels that he has been treated unfairly. The family is not arguing that there shouldn't be rules about bringing weapons to school, but that each case be treated individually and look at the "intention" of the child. For example, if a child brings a weapon and is threatening people, or is waving it around, or has been in trouble a lot, then by all means, punish them accordingly. But this child (Zachary) had a camping utensil that he used at home to eat his meals and wanted to do the same at school.

Explain to me how "reform school" could serve any useful purpose in this situation. I am just appalled at the treatment of this little boy. I've already e-mailed the President of the School Board, George Evans (who is standing by the board's suspension) - not that I expect a reply, but I just felt like I had to do something. The district supposedly has a "zero tolerance" policy and is not budging. Ridiculous.

Certainly, the shootings at Columbine and Virginia Tech were tragic, horrible events, but there has to be some common sense kick in at some point. Pray for little Zachary.