Pubdate: Sat, 14 Dec 2002
Source: Times Daily (Florence, AL)
Copyright: 2002 Times Daily
Contact:  http://www.timesdaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1641
Author: Jimmy Cosby
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

HARSH DISCIPLINE

To the editor:

I am writing in regard to the action taken by the Muscle Shoals school 
authorities in the matter of Mr. Dixon and his alleged possession of drug 
residue. I am very much in favor of attempts to keep our schools drug free, 
but I am concerned that the handling of this incident is counterproductive.

The message that becomes clear is that a policy of deceit by the students 
is the safest approach. Mr. Dixon handled this problem with honor and 
dignity and will suffer for an incident not of his making and beyond his 
control.

I am a resident of Lauderdale County and do not know any of the parties 
involved. However, I am a grandfather very interested in the lessons taught 
by the academic system. It is true that respect for authority in a 
Democratic society is very important to maintaining order. This requires 
that confidence in fairness and objectivity for everyone shall be the 
cornerstone of law.

In my opinion, based on what I have read about the case, Mr. Dixon did not 
receive this consideration. I certainly do not know all of the facts of 
this case, but if it is as reported and written about, a serious injustice 
has been done and the authorities should reconsider their decision in the 
interest of the students of all local school systems. I should be obvious 
that the values we teach our children are much more important than a single 
mistake by school officials or students.

Jimmy Cosby, Florence
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager