DRUGGIES FACE 10-DAY SUSPENSIONS

Schools: Drug Policy Considered By DEA

High school drug users and sellers may get even harsher consequences than
those proposed last month by DISS principal Greg Storey.

At a meeting of the Hay River District Education Authority Wednesday night,
members debated whether a student should get a five-day or a ten-day
suspension the first time he or she is caught with drugs.

Currently, the proposed policy supports a five-day suspension.

"What if that first offence includes dealing?" asked DISS principal Greg
Storey. "Is it more serious? If we change [the proposed policy's first
offence consequences] to 10 days of suspension, we have more discretion."

Member Dave MacDonald pointed out that he would like to see more
consequences for dealers in the school. He suggested expulsion for the
rest of the school year, if a student is caught dealing drugs.

But member April Glaicar wasn't sold on the idea that the school can punish
students without first proving beyond a doubt they are using or pushing drugs.

"Is it really our school's place to determine whether a student is
dealing? Are they just guilty if we say they're guilty? Are we not
leaving ourselves open to a legal nightmare?" she asked.

The policy passed through first reading last month. It must pass three
readings before it is officially endorsed by the DEA. Members will likely
vote on the policy's second reading at the next DEA meeting, April 16.