Pubdate: Sat, 30 Sep 2006
Source: Daily News, The (CN NS)
Copyright: 2006 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.hfxnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/179
Author: Lindsay Jones
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials

PADDLING EARNS EXPULSIONS

Not Fair, Says Pair Kicked Out Of School Until February

FALL RIVER - The two Grade 12 Lockview High students who were 
expelled for paddling say the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

[Name redacted] , 17, was booted from school until February for 
paddling two students earlier this month.

"It shouldn't have happened," said the Beaver Bank teen about the 
hazing. "But it was done to us all in past years, so we never thought 
anything of it. When the Grade 9s (who are about to be paddled) are 
sitting there telling you, 'Go ahead, whatever,' you don't really 
think it's that bad."

Paddling is known as an annual ritual at the Fall River high school, 
but it began in the community well before the school was built seven years ago.

[Name redacted]  is devastated about being expelled.

The 18-year-old said he paddled students last year and was present 
during the recent incidents. But he insists he didn't take part 
because he had no paddle.

The Enfield teen said he thought his efforts to deny the allegation 
would fall on deaf ears and he didn't want to fight with teachers.

He's contemplating writing a letter of appeal, but may just drop out.

"It's just a mess. I wanted to get out of school and get through 
life. I wanted to get an education, get a nice job and have an 
apartment sometime and get out of Grade 12."

Football player [Name redacted] , who said his marks are in the 70s 
and 80s, said he feels like he's the scapegoat.

"I don't think it's fair that I get kicked out of school. And 
somebody that gets caught with drugs gets to stay?" said  [Name redacted] .

"They're picking favourites."

Last week, a student was suspended for five days for possessing 
drugs. He was also at the centre of a now-closed RCMP investigation 
into a potential bomb threat at the school. The student is scheduled 
to return to school Monday, but principals can recommend to their 
school discipline committee to extend a suspension past five days.

School principal Ward Duncan wouldn't comment.

Halifax Regional School Board spokeswoman Shaune MacKinlay said 
discipline is not only a school board-based matter, but a private 
matter between the school, the student and the school's discipline committee.

The school board's conduct policy outlines ways to respond to various 
types of inappropriate behaviour, including suspension for physical 
assault and possession of a controlled substance.

If a principal decides to recommend more than a five-day suspension, 
parents and/or guardians may submit information to the discipline committee.

[Name redacted]  says he doesn't have support at home. "I don't have 
a parent I can go up to and say, 'Can you help me with this?'"

Suspensions can also be appealed to the school board. Expelled 
students can continue studies through correspondence or homework 
packages, said MacKinlay.

Clarence Dean, in whose home  [Name redacted]  lives, said the 
expulsion is too long.

"He's no angel, by any means, but he's a good kid," said the Beaver 
Bank father. "I just don't think it's fair that he was suspended 
until February and this kid who was caught with drugs - regardless if 
there was no death threat - he's only suspended for five days. That's 
just not right."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine