Pubdate: Sun, 23 Nov 2003 Source: Charlotte Observer (NC) Copyright: 2003 The Charlotte Observer Contact: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78 Note: Editorial reprinted from The State (Columbia, SC) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Goose+Creek (Stratford High School Raid) RAID ON SCHOOL EXCESSIVE Action Undermines Confidence In Authorities To Act Sensibly We support the goal of a drug-free environment for the teenagers studying in high schools around our state. We back the parents, educators and law enforcement officers who strive each day for an orderly, lawful and safe school environment. So there is no way we can back last week's armed incursion into Berkeley County's Stratford High School. It was an extreme, unnecessary gesture, unwarranted by the principal's description of suspected drug activity in the area. There were more than 100 young people in the school hallway. They and their peers will never forget the unfair taint that comes from being cuffed, forced to the floor and threatened with a gun at 6:45 in the morning. Concerns have been raised that this raid was racially motivated, and that question must be explored. Subsequent statements by the police did not help their cause. They attempted to downplay the overzealous brandishing of guns. These teenagers who arrived at school on a bus certainly weren't going anywhere fast. They could have been searched without the excessive force employed. In addition, the search could have better targeted specific individuals whose actions had raised suspicions of drug sales or use. As it unfolded, this raid has undermined public and parental confidence in the ability of schools and law enforcement to exercise authority sensibly. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl