Every citizen of the United States is, among other things, expressly granted the right to trial by our Constitution.
Perhaps more importantly, there is a prohibition to imposition of cruel or unusual punishments set forth in that same document, a prohibition which has been construed by our courts to also mean the punishment for a crime must also be in scale with the severity of the crime for which punishment is administered.
All that is Constitutionally speaking; apparently having little to do with punishments for improper behavior at Santiam High School.
I have no children attending school here, not because I have no children but because I choose not to have them attend here. I do however have friends who are sending their children to school here in the canyon. It is from listening to the words of those friends children that I have been motivated to write. Words which I find disturbing.
I heard of a student who was treated so badly by certain staff members that students mother attended school with her daughter in an attempt to stop the persecution. The students crimes: Vulgarity, and smoking, which eventually led to suspension for the remainder of the semester.
Another student who had allegedly pulled a knife on another student, reportedly in self defense, was suspended. Duration: One Month.
And the student who made the original attack? Not even a reprimand.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if the above facts are correct, doesn't something seem a trifle out of focus.