Letter to the Editor - Teen behavior

Editor - As Nanette Asimov's article notes ("Violence suspensions signal trouble in schools," May 19), violence and bullying in schools is a real and disturbing phenomenon. In addressing this issue, however, it is important to adopt solutions that are appropriate and effective and that do not result in unintended consequences.

A frequent response to school violence is the adoption of "zero tolerance" policies with harsh, punitive consequences. Yet studies have shown that such policies are ineffective in reducing school violence. Moreover, in our work, we have seen a disturbing trend in which these policies are frequently applied to nonviolent student conduct, with racially-disparate outcomes.

As the statistics cited in the article demonstrate, more students were suspended not for violence or drug-related behavior, but rather for "disruption" and "willful defiance." Studies have consistently demonstrated that when highly subjective offenses such as these are the basis for discipline, students of color and students with disabilities are often inexplicably and inappropriately punished more harshly and frequently than their peers - often for conduct that most would consider ordinary adolescent behavior.

We need to develop appropriate responses to violence and other disruptive behavior that help students become academically engaged and build cohesive, inclusive school communities. Such an approach will achieve the shared goal of safer, more successful schools.

GRETA S. HANSEN
ACLU of Northern California
San Francisco