It has been a while since I made a posting, and to my loyal readers wondering what has happened, I can only offer an apology. Sometimes, life moves at such a quick pace you feel as if it is passing you by, often not feeling as if you have enough time to do everything that needs to get done.
Anyway, as promised here is what I believe needs to happen in order to deal with not only the younger, but any gang members, that are becoming so prevelant in education.
In its basic and most simplistic form, stricter and harsher penalties for gang activity in schools, plain and simple.
I realize that education is meant for all students to gain knowledge and learn how to navigate life by the experiences they have in their educational careers. And I also realize that removing a student not only causes funding deficiencies to the school and district, it can also lead to an already prevelant dropout rate in our nation.
But on the flip side, if gangs are allowed to run schools and classrooms without real consequences for their actions, they will start using schools strictly as fertile recruiting grounds. And they won’t stop until they begin to outnumber, not only the staff, but students who are really concerned about their educations.
I am not suggesting that members be thrown out of school for the things they do at school, but to have the consequences dished out be more meaningful and punitive. Sadly, school districts are afraid of being sued by some entity because a punishment seemed too outlandish. And I feel this is where education looses control of gangs in a school setting.
Instead of giving in to the pressure of lawsuits, the federal government needs to intervene and work with state educational agencies in allowing school districts the latitude to institute penalties that will let members know that gang activity in school will not be tolerated.
Let me clarify here that this does not mean that a swatting or beating is called for. But something more in the lines of them learning in an intensive and restrictively controlled environment with a fair amount of not only mental, but physical, exertion involved. In no way should this resemble a jail type system but more of a school where counseling plays an integral role and in fact be a class mandatory as part of their daily curriculum.
I believe this would serve two purposes, first it puts members in an environment where they can be closely monitored, but in addition, offers a rigorous learning experience while gaining some type of usable skill. I know there are school districts that offer these types of programs already. But I also know that they are all hand-tied simply because lawsuits are so prevalent in our society and they are afraid of being hit with one because they overstepped some imaginary boundary in dishing out a punishment.
That is why my final suggestion is for all of the above named entities decide a common and suitable alternative that would be exempt from frivolous lawsuits. But in addition, a law that not only promotes growth mentally but spiritually as well.
I know it sounds like an insurmountable obstacle, but at least it would be a starting point, which is what is really needed.
I apologize for this post being so long but the nature of this issue requires a look at this problem from all angles and I have only offered one alternative in a sea of many.
Thank you and come again for another post of gang issues in education.
Gilbert R. Cabrera
If you wish to contact me you may do so at cabgil@aol.com