Letter to the Editor: Twig control?
BY Ann Parish, Tulsa
Friday, February 22, 2013
2/22/13 at 7:33 AM
As a former teacher (retired after 30-plus years) and a grandmother, I question the no-tolerance policy of "guns" in school not only in Tulsa, but apparently in many school districts throughout the state and country. My 5-year-old grandson has been repeatedly disciplined by his kindergarten teacher at Jenks East Elementary School for using twigs found on the playground and also his thumb and forefinger as "guns" at recess.
In a state with such a visible National Rifle Association presence and a fear of any legislation for gun control, I do not understand the fear of the fingers of a 5-year-old.
I feel that his imagination and creativity are being stifled, and his love of school is being smothered by fear - not of violence but of the authorities who punish him for being a little boy.
Although I would agree that most violent criminals possess a thumb and forefinger and have had access to twigs most of their lives, I doubt seriously that's what led to their murderous ways. I am afraid that we are losing sight of the important issues of violence and gun control and over-reacting to the natural playfulness of little kids.
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