I HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE ...FOR ZERO TOLERANCE

Reading your editorial on the school system's zero-tolerance policies
brought to mind an incidence in my son's last year of high school just 15
years ago ["Nothing redeems zero tolerance rules," Commentary, Sept. 12].
He was caught with alcohol on his breath at an off-campus school function.
The repercussions were swift but tempered with reason. He was suspended
from school for four days and had to make up all the missed work.

Thankfully for a thoughtful and reasonable assistant principal who handled
this matter, my son not only graduated with all his friends on time but
graduated with honors, was the Orange County Scholar Athlete of the Year
and received a water-polo scholarship to USC where he earned a B.S. in
business. Today, he is an honest and ethical businessman earning his way
through life. God forbid that he had fallen under the zero-tolerence policy
that would have torn his and our world apart.

A little common sense is called for here.

Bob Carver
Fullerton