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: Paul Iona

EDUCATORS MUST BE ABLE TO ENSURE SAFETY

When parents pay for students to go to school, whether by paying 
taxes for public school or tuition for private school, they trust 
that their children will be kept out of harm's way.

This responsibility is certainly taken seriously by state educators. 
However, an educator cannot perform this responsibility to its 
fullest if students are allowed to bring, and essentially "hide," 
whatever they want in their lockers.

Yes, each individual has a right to privacy, but when students enter 
school grounds, whether it is public or private, they make a silent 
agreement that the purpose of coming to school is to learn. Once a 
student breaks that agreement, the responsibility lies with educators 
to ensure that the safety of all students is not compromised by one 
person's actions. This is only possible if educators have access to 
school property, including student lockers.

If educators suspect a student has some type of contraband within his 
or her locker and the student is innocent, then good for them. 
They've kept to the agreement and should be allowed to continue their 
education. However, if contraband is present, then the necessary 
steps can be taken to ensure safety for all. As the saying goes, it's 
better to be safe than sorry.

Paul Iona

Grade 12, Kamehameha Schools.

*

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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman