SCARED OF LAWSUITS? TERRORIZE THE KIDS

I just finished reading in The Post yet another discussion of the stupid
drug policy of local school systems -- particularly, in this case, that of
Fairfax County [Steve Twomey's Jan. 5 Metro column, "A Criminal School Drug
Policy"]. My husband and I have three children in the system: two
high-schoolers and one in elementary school. I am a Girl Scout leader and a
mom over 40 who enjoyed the freedom of the '70s as a college student. I
accept that the challenges we made to the system then probably have
something to do with the dangers our children have to live with today.

But the school drug policies have become so ridiculous that no one can work
with them! Why should a busy teenage girl with regular menstrual cramps or
headache each month have to reduce her work load of classes, after-school
athletics, and club or literary activities because she can't find relief
with two Tylenol or Advil and a drink of water during her long school day?
Her adult counterpart -- the teacher, principal or school board member --
who made the policy would take the Advil if needed in a flash. We ask these
kids to make adult, responsible decisions on a daily basis, yet because of
the abuse of a minor few, the many have to suffer.

I think the hysterical policies of the current educational system cause
damage to good kids and cause kids who would abuse any policy to laugh.
Those who buy and sell real drugs do so under the noses of the teachers and
in classrooms every day. We should put pressure on those who would
introduce hard drugs to children, not punish responsible children and
parents for using over-the-counter medication in the way it was intended.
The current fear tactics do little to stop serious problems and serve only
to confuse many children as to who their friends are in the
teacher-principal-peer realm of day-to-day life.

LINDA KANGARLOO
Oakton

I agree wholeheartedly with Steve Twomey that the Fairfax County School
drug policy concerning over-the-counter drugs is misguided. A policy that
treats over-the-counter drugs, creams, vitamins, etc. the same as
prescription and illegal drugs makes little sense. There is a current trend
in school and other government agencies to promulgate zero-tolerance
policies regarding drugs, weapons and sexual harassment. I like to refer to
this as the "one size fits all" phenomenon.

In my opinion, such policies are a serious abdication of the responsibility
of the authorities to use discretion. The direct casualties are obvious,
such as the mental anguish and reputation of children who were
disproportionately punished for such innocuous infractions as carrying
Advil or nail files or the kiss on the cheek of a 6-year-old. However, I am
more concerned about the indirect effect that such policies have on the
attitude of children toward adult authority.

Whether we like it or not, children are going to evaluate for themselves
whether rules established for them are rational and fair. If they perceive
a rule as arbitrary or unfair, their respect for the rule and the
rule-enforcers will be diminished, and they are likely to question other
rules. Children will show greater respect for the rules and the authorities
if they perceive the rules to be rational and proportionate to the
potential consequences.

I would have a difficult time to explain to my child with a straight face
the rationale behind the Fairfax County nonprescription drug policy except
to say that some adults get a little carried away at times. You see, I too
have developed a diminished respect for the authorities in this instance. I
believe one of the first steps on the road toward a life of crime and drug
use is the development of a contemptuous attitude toward authority. We
should be developing rules and policies that foster children's respect
rather than appearing to simply provide a convenient means for authorities
to abdicate their responsibility to use discretion in meting out punishment.

JOHN SUNDA
Centreville

© Copyright 1998 The Washington Post Company