People need to go beyond policies and use a little critical thinking. When someone is suspended from all school activities because he had a knife in a survival kit, which was locked in his car, is a thoughtless decision. I am sure there are students trained in martial arts, should they be suspended also?
The member of the school staff needs to be aware of what can be used as a lethal weapon. Let’s first look at the cars, which are driven to school. Auto accidents will account for approximately 6,000 teen deaths each year. A pencil, pen, ruler or notebook can all become lethal weapons, in the hands of someone with training.
I work as a Professional Fishing Guide. I am sure there at least two knives locked in my truck when I volunteer at the local high school. Someone would need to search for them, just like the knife in the survival kit, but they are there. These are tools of my trade. A survival kit for an eagel scout is much the same.
To be concerned with a 2” folding knife, which is locked in a car is ridicules. I think it says more about the staff member. They obviously do not the ability or courage to evaluate the safety of the students. May be the staff member should be re-evaluated for their competence.
I would love to hear your opinion on this matter.
Ken Cole
I agree absolutely, Ken. We have similar problems in the UK. There’s very little common sense applied. People are too concerned with covering their own back and making sure they don’t get sued. To suspend a kid for bring camping cutlery into school is plain crazy.