Concerned citizens against zero tolerance

Good kids make mistakes, sounds like this school board does too!

I don't care to have my name listed in the paper.

A quick search of "zero tolerance" provides a lengthy list of reasons why these policies do not work. Instead of creating a positive school environment and promoting safety- both essential to education- zero tolerance policies lead to increased drop out rates and ultimately hurts the students it is designed to protect. The American Bar Association is against these policies. The National Association of School Psychologists oppose these policies. The President called for an end to these policies last year... and the list goes on. Although these policies were created with good intentions, zero tolerance has been shown time and time again to do more harm than good. It's time that TPSD join the long list of school districts across the country that have abandoned zero tolerance.

My great great Uncle was Superintendent of the County School which included Tupelo. My family is from Tupelo. All my cousins and relatives graduated, taught, coached, and have continued to be leaders in the comity and school system. My cousin, a 3,8 good guy, staring athlete, and outstanding future citizen of the Tupelo community...Daniel Bristow just had his dreams shattered and senior year crushed! I am signing this petition so that no other student is "branded" , when clear common sense would have ruled "dismissed due to common sense". FYI, Daniel was called out of class to the school parking lot so police dogs could randomly search the vehicles. Daniel allowed the search, for he knew he was clean. The police searched the truck, and found a small pocket knife used for fishing, in the glove box. Of course, he appealed.The school board voted to make no exception due to THE RULES. Well, a fine future citizen has now be scarred, abandoned, and branded . Vote for "Common Sense" to be allowed in School Board decisions on future cases.

fishing knife with other fishing equipment is a little too strict!

Zero tolerance is absurd!!

I disagree with the decision of alternative school for these boys that had knives in their cars. If they didn't bring it in the school and didn't have malicious intent this punishment is ridiculous.

So sad. When adults don't have the life skills to apply common sense, the children become victims.

Get a grip THS!

We need someone on the school board with common sense. Disgraceful!

support of the Bristow family

This is out of control!

Team Bristow!!

Stupidity

I appreciate the fact they are serious about protecting students but the no tolerance is not smart...

zero tolerance policies allow for no mistakes. There needs to be some forgiveness!!!!!

I know that could have EASILY happened to one of my kids. It's a shame that our school is acting so narrow mindedly. I hope this can get resolved. We NEED for our public school to be strong. A weak public school hurts all of us.(property values)

Even if a zero tolerance policy may seem good on the surface, we must realize that ultimately, a child's future is at stake. Repeat offenders should be punished, but ONE isolated incident is NOT a reason for expulsion!

i would prefer my name not be published.

Part of this problem is appointed school boards. We can't touch them but we can touch the elected officials that make these appointments.