“Do I think they gave [punishment] out fairly? Not at all,” said senior Dylan Brinker after receiving three days of OSS for having an e-cigarette in his pocket on school grounds.
Brinker and 11 other students were searched and found guilty of violations ranging from tobacco, illegal drug paraphernalia, alcohol, and weapon possession after an anonymous tip was given following the expulsion of three students caught under the influence on campus.
Varying levels of disciplinary action were taken in punishing the students based on their offense and its severity, raising questions concerning consistency among students like Brinker.
“A weapon in a vehicle is supposed to be an expulsion. I’m completely against that punishment, but still, two kids got three days of OSS for having weapons in their vehicles, when the official punishment is supposed to be expulsion,” said Brinker. “Then, I get caught with an e-cig, was respectful and cooperative as can be, and still got the three days of OSS. How is that fair?”
According to the 2014-15 Student Handbook, a series of three penalties for tobacco possession or use– starting with three days of OSS and ultimately expulsion by the third offense– are applied when the regulation is violated.
Students who handle, have possession of, or transmit any type of weapon are to be expelled for no less than one year, while students who sell, use, or possess drug paraphernalia of any kind are recommended for expulsion and lesser penalties can be decided depending on the violation.
“There’s always circumstances in every situation that make that certain situation unique for whatever reason. If there’s an opportunity to discipline within the policies, we do our best to do what’s in the best interest of all parties involved,” said Assistant Principal Rob Lindley.
Situational flexibility occurs when an offense is disciplined in such a way that does not reflect the policies of the Student or District Handbook. This disciplinary action is decided by the Superintendent, and not the school’s administration unlike common belief amongst the study body.
“What I want to do is treat all students fairly. Sometimes it doesn’t look like I’m being fair, but an old wise person once told me what’s fair is not always what’s equal,” said Lindley.
Precedence, previous student behavior, and the severity of an event are generally the three main determinants when deciding the appropriate course of disciplinary action, according to Head Principal Danny Brackett. In a case where a student has multiple offenses their behavior is considered insubordination, because the student has received past counseling on what is and isn’t appropriate behavior.
“I always value the student’s side of the story. However, if evidence indicates that there’s been a violation against any type of state, federal, or school district law, then it’s the administration’s responsibility to administer consequences,” said Brackett.
According to Brackett, a school district possesses more authority than a law enforcement officer on school campus. This higher authority gives the administration the consent to search anything, including student vehicles, that is on school property.
“Anything that comes on this campus is within reason to be searched, because it’s on school property. We just have to have reasonable suspicion,” said Brackett.
Students who witness violations of school policies can anonymously submit information through S.W.A.T.