Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jan 2002
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2002 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Steven Baruch

MPS: DRUG POLICY NEEDS TO BE FLEXIBLE

I applaud Milwaukee Public Schools' resolve to re-evaluate the student 
discipline system ("Drugs wouldn't always lead to expulsion under MPS 
proposal," Jan. 22).

I have had the infuriating, helpless feeling of sitting on an MPS expulsion 
panel and having no choice but to expel a first-time offender who needed 
counseling or alternative placement. Instead, such students are routinely 
relegated to the streets. From that perspective, zero tolerance made no sense.

Officials need the flexibility to deal with individual cases. This is not a 
call for leniency. Professionals need the flexibility to meet the needs of 
each student, and a panel has few choices when its hands are tied by an 
overly restrictive policy.

Steven Baruch

Milwaukee
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth