RULING LEAVES DISTRICTS, DRUG POLICY IN DOUBT

Q.What is zero-tolerance drug policy?

A. Zero-tolerance policies, most of which were implemented by school
districts eight to 10 years ago, are aimed at decreasing drug and alcohol
use in schools. Most policies call for suspension, transfer or expulsion of
students caught with drugs or alcohol on campus, at school-sanctioned
events or traveling to or from school. The policies go above and beyond
rules set down in the State Education Code.

Q. How common are zero-tolerance policies in Orange County? In the state?

A. A majority of Orange County districts have zero-tolerance policies,
according to Ken Williams, Orange County Board of Education member. The
same is true statewide, according to Doug Stone, director of communications
for the state Department of Education. Numbers were not available late
Monday.

Q. How many Newport-Mesa students have been transferred or expelled under
zero-tolerance policies?

A. In 1996-97, 125 students in the Newport-Mesa School District were
transferred to other schools, according to school board President Jim
Ferryman.

Q. Why is the Ryan Huntsman case special?

A. Judge Robert E. Thomas' ruling casts a shadow over zero-tolerance
policies. A transfer ordered during a senior's second semester is
tantamount to an expulsion, he ruled, because the student will never again
have the opportunity to attend that school. Because it is tantamount to an
expulsion, the student has a right to due process, he ruled.

Q. How will the decision affect zero-tolerance plicies?

A. Local, county and state education experts say that at the very least the
decision will make school districts re-examine their zero-tolerance
policies. At most, the decision could handcuff districts. A few opinions:

"This could have a rippling effect" - Jim Ferryman.

"There is the potential for all kinds of appeals to the county on this" -
Ken Williams.

"It has undercut the school's ability to determine whether kids who are
caught taking drugs can stay on campus" - Doug Stone.