Loren Pechtel

If it's a dispute that can be mediated that's one thing. All through school I was never in such a fight. It was always a matter of attacks by bullies. Guidance counselors can't do anything about that.

Shake

Sort of, but I think you've put a really negative tack on it. On the one hand you're right, the school doesn't want any problems from the students. That said, the school is not always right and should be willing to admit when mistakes are made. You almost seem like your going to the extreme though. Students shouldn't be trying to "beat the system." If they're unfairly treated, it should be dealt with. Same for if they act up; they should be punished. They're there to learn, not to fight or threaten teachers or other students. The teachers and administrators have a right to enforce discipline on the students. Stupid fucking courts have allowed too many parents who are too lazy to discipline their own kids into bullying the schools out of using ANY discipline on the kids! Guess what? When the kids find that out, and they always do, they'll exploit it as far as they can. It's what kids do - pushing the limits. Without some discipline imposed somewhere, (preferably starting at home) they'll run rampant.

The threat of having your parents called in used to be a deterrent in and of itself (for most kids). Now you get kids who are defiant because they know they've got mom or dad in their back pocket, and they're right because they've got parents who feel guilty about not spending enough quality time with their kids. So then, they're like, "It's my kid, right or wrong, and I'll sue your ass if you don't agree with me." In the long run, it's the kids who are suffering because of it, since there is little to no fear of being disciplined either at school or at home. I'm not saying there's something wrong with sticking up for your kid, but if your kid is in the wrong, you should be behind the decision of the school (though you may argue the severity of the punishment, IMHO).

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