The situation as presented does beg the question: the boy was engaged in an ILLEGAL activity. Perhaps the school should not provide an intermediate step in punishment; perhaps it should just be handled by law enforcement and the school adopt a zero tolerance stance; THAT IS, a student with a legal issue is probably not in good standing in regards to the KSHSAA and should be banned from any KSHSAA sponsored activity--period. Would that be better than a one day OSS?
Upon cursory review the relevant Kansas Statutes are:
79-3321(n) - It shall be unlawful for any person who is under 18 years of age to possess or attempt to possess cigarettes or tobacco products.
79-3322(c) - Violation of subsection (m) or (n) of K.S.A. 79-3321, and amendments thereto, is a cigarette or tobacco infraction for which the fine is $25. In addition, the judge may require the juvenile to appear in court with a parent or legal guardian.
79-3323(a) - The following are declared to be common nuisances and contraband:
(2)all cigarettes or tobacco products in the possession of a minor;
and
72-53,107(a) - The use of tobacco products in any school building is hereby prohibited. No board of education of any school district shall allow any person to use tobacco products in any school building.
The matter could be resolved the following business day after receipt of the citation resolving any "legal issue".
In this instance, the option offered by Egg would likely be the most expedient and painless.
Back to the question posed about the school providing an intermediary penalty for an illegal activity: do you think a school should be involved when the penalty is directed towards participation in an extracurricular activity; that is, not an activity that the school is required to sponsor, or one in which the student is required to participate?
Inasmuch as the illegal activity was at a school (taxpayer) sponsored activity, the student signed the Code of Conduct in order to participate in a school (taxpayer) sponsored activity, and I have complete trust in the high school administration and coaching staff, I have no problem with the school "providing an intermediary penalty".
and
Personally, I do not agree with the one (1) day school suspension, as I am uncertain if missing school is in the best interest of any student. The remainder of the punishment I have no disagreement with. My son knew of the policy, and failed to abide by the rules.
Egg, the question begs, do you believe the policy to be discriminatory as it treats students participating in extracurricular activities more harshly than students not participating.
