Dear Editor, A few weeks ago our child, a student at Martin
Murphy Middle School, was hauled into the assistant principal
’s office for questioning. In the presence of an armed police
officer the interrogation began.
Dear Editor,
A few weeks ago our child, a student at Martin Murphy Middle School, was hauled into the assistant principal’s office for questioning. In the presence of an armed police officer the interrogation began. The alleged crime? Drug possession? No. Malicious damage to property? No. Brandishing a weapon? No. The heinous crime was pinching.
Yes, pinching. Was it pinching an unsuspecting student? No. Was it pinching a student of the opposite sex? No. Perhaps a teacher or school administrator was pinched, or maybe even a penny. Nope. The pinching was perpetrated between consenting students. A teen-age activity.
How, I asked, was my child caught in this criminal activity? Turns out the administration at Martin Murphy apprehended one criminal and through intimidation sweated out the names of the other gang members.
During the interview our child was threatened with suspension and possible arrest for harassment. Arrest for pinching. Give me a break.
Out of control. The administration at our schools has lost sight of what, who and when to discipline. When, where and how can kids just be kids these days? I suppose our school leaders would be happier passing out Prozac every morning to students. Nothing safer than several hundred placid, controllable teenagers.
Get a grip Morgan Hill. I, for one, have had enough of this nonsense. It’s time for the Board of Education to take a close look at the procedures for administering discipline. As it stands today the best behavior for any of our students is a zombie-like trance, eyes down, hands in pocket, mouth shut.
Now I’m positive I’ll receive letters from many in our community screaming that the schools have become a dangerous place and their children need to be protected. Being overly cautious is just the price we have to pay these days to insure there are no shootings, rapes, drug deals, etc., etc. The teachers and administrators are working in an unsafe environment and zero tolerance is the only option.
I’m against drugs, weapons, religious, racial, sexual or ethnic hatred in schools. I’m against bullies and hazing. I believe our police force should be spending their time on more serious issues like catching criminals and preventing real crimes.
I am for letting our children be kids, allowing them some leeway in their actions. If that means an occasional pinch, or just goofing around, that’s OK with me.
Allan Abrams, Morgan Hill
