HARSH DISCIPLINE

To the editor:

I am writing in regard to the action taken by the Muscle Shoals school
authorities in the matter of Mr. Dixon and his alleged possession of drug
residue. I am very much in favor of attempts to keep our schools drug free,
but I am concerned that the handling of this incident is counterproductive.

The message that becomes clear is that a policy of deceit by the students
is the safest approach. Mr. Dixon handled this problem with honor and
dignity and will suffer for an incident not of his making and beyond his
control.

I am a resident of Lauderdale County and do not know any of the parties
involved. However, I am a grandfather very interested in the lessons taught
by the academic system. It is true that respect for authority in a
Democratic society is very important to maintaining order. This requires
that confidence in fairness and objectivity for everyone shall be the
cornerstone of law.

In my opinion, based on what I have read about the case, Mr. Dixon did not
receive this consideration. I certainly do not know all of the facts of
this case, but if it is as reported and written about, a serious injustice
has been done and the authorities should reconsider their decision in the
interest of the students of all local school systems. I should be obvious
that the values we teach our children are much more important than a single
mistake by school officials or students.

Jimmy Cosby, Florence