Pubdate: Fri, 16 Nov 2007 Source: Honolulu Advertiser (HI) Copyright: 2007 The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co. Inc. Contact: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/195 Author: Marcie Kagawa LOCKER SEARCHES STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION The Board of Education proposal advocating for locker searches without probable cause in public schools should be a good start in the attempt to deter students from bringing illegal substances and objects to school. School should be an environment where students feel safe and can learn without distractions. Though many argue that searching without reason is invasion of privacy, the bigger picture is the safety of students. Plus, the lockers are the property of the schools, meaning that they are the property of the state. I see no reason why schools should not be able to search lockers. There are students who bring contraband and prohibited items to school - - and I'm not talking about MP3 players and cigarettes. Something must be done to keep the majority of innocent students safe from those who break the rules and the law. Though this proposal will not eliminate the problem of students bringing contraband and illegal items to school, it is a start in the right direction. Marcie Kagawa Grade 12, 'Aiea High School. note: Today's letters were written by members and former members of The Advertiser Teen Editorial Board. They were asked to write on either transit or school locker searches. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake