I see the League of United Latin American Citizens and the NAACP plan to get involved in the Arlington school incident where a teacher reportedly poured pencil shavings into the mouth of a sleeping student. (See: "Incident at school sparks call to meet," Monday)
What's next? Banning assault pencil sharpeners?Here's a novel idea: Why not punish the student? He was the one disrespecting the teacher by sleeping in the classroom. Or perhaps punish his mother for not ensuring he had proper rest and nutrition before going to school.Pouring pencil shavings in the mouth is not a good idea anytime, but the child is OK, so don't try making a mountain out of a molehill.I went to school in the 1960s and '70s and remember being spanked with a ruler -- try that today. Another time, I had to draw a circle on the blackboard and then place my nose in the circle.I deserved both punishments because I was misbehaving.A teacher's job is difficult enough. Cut her some slack.-- Thomas Chapman, KennedaleHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
