Pubdate: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 Source: Decatur Daily (AL) Copyright: 2002 The Decatur Daily Contact: http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696 SCHOOL CHIEF COURTING TROUBLE WITH SNITCH POLICY Athens school officials are working against themselves in trying to control drugs, when they refuse to reconsider a policy that divulges the names of tipsters to those confronted for drug use. The parents of an Athens Middle School student complained to the school board last week that they had received threats because their child informed on a suspected marijuana user. The parents say that Principal Joe Jackson and a police officer promised their child that his identity would be confidential if he shared information about the marijuana. Superintendent James Irby acknowledged that he showed witness statements to the father of one of the students accused. "We are appalled that such a policy exists that would be so inconsiderate for the safeguard of the students involved," wrote the parents in a letter to the school board. Such a policy of revealing the tipster's name runs directly counter to everything students learn in school and the City Council-sponsored Drug Abuse Resistance Education program that most students are exposed to in the fifth grade. D.A.R.E. makes an impression on youngsters. In at least one case, a student turned in his pot-smoking parents. Athens' counter-productive policy kills the messenger. If no one complains, then the problem doesn't exist. It may make the job temporarily easier in the short run, but it's courting trouble long term. But Mr. Irby maintains that the policy is "solid" and "I'm not looking to change it." The policy puts a chilling effect on anyone coming forward on any taboo activity, be it pot possession or potential school violence. It should be changed. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth