Pubdate: Thu, 30 Sept 1999 Source: Orange County Register (CA) Copyright: 1999 The Orange County Register Contact: http://www.ocregister.com/ Author: Ken Williams Note: Mr.Williams is a member of the governing board of the Orange County Department of Education. ZERO TOLERANCE: IS IT A GOOD OR BAD POLICY? I believe our children are being held accountable to a different standard than adults by zero tolerance policies.One obvious example,a U.S.president who unmistakably lied to the American public and commits a felony by perjuring himself in a court of law is allowed to serve in public office,yet a senior in high school who demonstrates significantly less malignant behavior is expelled from school? In my opinion, zero tolerance, as good as it sounds in concept to some people, in reality is a one-size-fits-all policy, impractical and, one may argue, in violation of an individual's constitutional right against unusual punishment. This policy is more extreme than the three-strikes law because a student does not get two more chances. I believe the laws of our great country should be obeyed and taught in our schools. A policy, though, that is inflexible will ultimately harm our students and families. Ken Williams Santa Ana - --- MAP posted-by: Derek Rea