Trust, drugs and Paso school board

To the editor: Regarding methamphetamine in the Paso Robles schools, the
following is a true story:

Within the last two years, a Paso Robles student told school administrators
a student's backpack contained a small amount of marijuana.

The backpack was searched but not marijuana was found. This same student
also admitted taking a sip from a can of juice that had been spiked with
alcohol. Upon discovering the alcohol, the student said, "I don't want
this," and gave the can back.

This student had not been a disciplinary problem. However, based on the
student's own, voluntary admissions, and their so-called "zero tolerance"
policy, the school administrators decided to expel the student. At a board
hearing, an elected member of the Paso Robles School Board repeatedly
asserted that this student's behavior was "drug abuse."

Suddenly there is an "epidemic" of methamphetamine at Paso Robles High
School. Students using the drug are being encouraged to come forward,
supposedly to get "help." However, the school board has already shown it
does not the difference between drug abuse and a dead camel!

They also clearly demonstrated that honesty will be punished. Why, now, do
they expect students to trust them?

David Hagan
Pismo Beach