NEW LAW MAY HELP IN REDUCING DISCIPLINE PROBLEM ON CAMPUSES

Issue:

Students can lose driving privileges for serious offenses.

We Suggest:

Undesirable student behavior could be strongly impacted.

The state Legislature has passed a bill known as the "Driving is a
Privilege" act which allows for taking driving privileges away from
students suspended for at least 10 days for serious violations. It
could be effective in improving discipline on school campuses.

For many high school youngsters, driving is one of the supreme
privileges. We believe the threat of losing their drivers' licenses
would make such students think carefully before deliberately breaking
school rules.

The punishment, to be imposed by the Office of Motor Vehicles, will be
for serious violations and will last one year. As a sponsor of the
bill said, it is not intended to apply to offenses such as chewing gum
or running in the halls. Loss of driving privileges will result from
suspension for sale or possession of drugs or alcohol, having a
firearm on school property, including school buses, and assault or
battery on teachers or other school personnel.

Discipline is consistently listed among the top concerns of teachers.
Somehow, the problem must be brought under control so educators can
get on with the mission of their profession and students can
concentrate on learning.

The "Driving is a Privilege" act will not be a cure-all for discipline
problems on campus. It does, however, have the potential for
positively impacting the behavior of some students. Any measure that
accomplishes that is worthwhile.