Self Defense in Schools

In Bronx, NY, an 8-year old slashes a 9-year old with a double-edged razor.  He brings the blade to school with him every day because "some of the kids don’t like him".  In Indianapolis, IN, a 17-year old is expelled from school for bringing a stun gun and setting it off to ward off bullies.  Stories like these seem to be happening with increasing frequency, and the natural question is, why?

Self-defense is a fundamental right.  Adults have done far worse things to defend themselves, and they are found not guilty.  That right extends to school children, right?

Not in my opinion.

The US Supreme Court ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines that without any evidence that a rule is necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or the rights of others, it is not permissible.  Bringing a double-edged razor or a stun gun to school can clearly disrupt school discipline and the rights of others.  I believe that to be self-evident, so I won't waste time explaining how.  In any event, it is right for a school to have rules prohibiting the possession, and use, of such things.  To have a rule that prohibits weapons, and then to have a student not only bring a weapon, but use it without providing the most severe consequence possible is to make a mockery of the rule, and thepurpose for the rule.

At issue as well is the climate of a school that sets up such a situation in the first place.  In both of the above cases, allegations were made that the administration had been told of the bullying, and in the Bronx case, that the school was prone to violence.  If a person does not feel that the authorities will protect them, they will feel a strong urge to protect themselves.  This is particularly dangerous with children, as their very nature is prone to bad decision-making.  This is why we typically don't put children in charge of life-or-death situations.  Yet when we don't protect our children, that is exactly what we are doing.

Schools need to take a long, hard look at themselves, and what they do to protect children.  I am appalled at the stories I hear of administrators who will 'cover up' acts of violence in order to avoid the appearance of having a violent school.  It is time for such folks to find a new line of work, as they are not fit to serve children.  Like alcoholism, the problem cannot be solved without first acknowledging the extent of the problem.

In this era of high stakes testing, high test scores are threatened by violence, and the fear it produces.  You want better test scores?  Create a safe learning environment, and allow the children to relax and learn.  This won't happen when educators are in denial.

The instinct of self-preservation is a strong one, and should be a sign for educators that something isn't right.

Stop making excuses and do something.

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