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Florida Politician Does Something Sensible; No Word On Other Six Seals

Jun 17, 2009
By .
Law

Popehat readers near the ocean: could you kindly check whether the tide is red?

Florida Governor Charlie Crist has signed a bill that takes some baby steps towards reigning in the moronic trend of zero-tolerance policies in public schools, under which if little Billy brings a spork from home, he may find himself proned out on the wet playground pavement by Resource Officer Muscly McOverreact. Overlawyered has a good archive of zero-tolerance idiocy.

I must admit that I was not expecting that from a Florida politician.

The bill is not perfect, but it is a step in the right direction:

It is the intent of the Legislature to promote a safe and supportive learning environment in schools, to protect students and staff from conduct that poses a serious threat to school safety, and to encourage schools to use alternatives to expulsion or referral to law enforcement agencies by addressing disruptive behavior through restitution, civil citation, teen court, neighborhood restorative justice, or similar programs. The Legislature finds that zero-tolerance policies are not intended to be rigorously applied to petty acts of misconduct and misdemeanors, including, but not limited to, minor fights or disturbances. The Legislature finds that zero-tolerance policies must apply equally to all students regardless of their economic status, race, or disability.

I'd love to see more Legislatures recognize that not all behavior on at school should be treated the same. That — and, God willing, a less hysterical attitude towards drugs — might might result in fewer thirteen-year-old girls being strip-searched by predatory school administrators looking for Ibuprofin.

Last 5 posts by Ken White

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5 Comments

  1. Zero Tolerance Guy  •  Jun 17, 2009 @2:50 pm

    Ken,

    Now it is up to the citizens of each county to get engaged. This law simply requires the school districts to define those, "petty acts of misconduct" it doesn't specify what that includes. It will take a local effort from everyday moms and dads to drive home the message to the school board in their county.

  2. M  •  Jun 21, 2009 @6:51 pm

    Schools seem like a different planet these days. When I was in high school I would routinely have over the counter pain medication for cramps or pulled muscles from school athletics, as well as allergy medication. I think most high schoolers can be trusted with those, and may not be able to function without them on certain days.

  3. Dr. Brian Schoonover  •  Jun 29, 2009 @3:19 pm

    I truly sympathize with those parents whose children have been pushed out of their zoned schools because of minor infractions. My research shows that children are better off if they are given a second chance instead of continuing the "Schoolhouse-to-Jailhouse" trend. If you're interested, I have more information on my website . . . .

  4. Ken  •  Jun 29, 2009 @3:34 pm

    Doctor, we generally do not permit commercial links in comments. I have edited your comment accordingly.

  5. Barry  •  Jul 8, 2009 @6:05 am

    As the 'reigning' governor, he should indeed sign this bill "reining" in administrators.

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