THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 18, 1996 TAG: 9610180053
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 33 lines
BETWEEN 6-YEAR-OLDS being accused of sexual harassment for stealing a smooch and middle schoolers being suspended for possession of a cramp reliever, some of the nation's schools lately have appeared to be a little overly sensitive to breaches of rules of conduct.
In Virginia, a state law calls for zero tolerance in cases where students bring pagers or cellular phones to school - a rule that has presented problems for some students with otherwise pristine records.
For the schools, uniform enforcement of rules is important so that all students are treated equitably. And the rules are there to make sure that students are safe, comfortable and focused.
But unyielding enforcement regardless of the circumstances, or the age of those involved, can cause more problems than the violation itself.
Teenspeak went to First Colonial High School this week to ask students: ``How can schools set and enforce fair policies to provide a safe learning environment without overreacting unnecessarily?''
Here are their answers: ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Jenna Stahl, junior, 16
Greg Peterson, junior, 16
Ryan O'Donnell, freshman, 15
Elizabeth Batdorf, senior, 17 by CNB