Student Questions

By Janice M. "Jan" Belding

The following are excerpts from an interview with the El Molino student paper "Lion's Roar"

"Zero Tolerance" is an interesting concept since it is the antithesis of tolerance. I believe schools have to require "zero tolerance" around weapons, drugs and alcohol. These can be defined and have no place in the educational equation. They are things. Acting in racist or sexist ways is not as cut and dry. They are actions and words that the doer may consider one thing and the receiver may consider another. The resolution of the difference between the giver and receiver seems to be better served by communications and counseling. For serious and continual racism and sexism, I think there are policies that the Board and the schools have implemented to address issues such as these.

What is your attitude toward censorship?

Personally, I am not in favor of censorship among those who are considered legal adults. The free exchange of ideas, no matter how repugnant they may be, is the cornerstone of our constitution. Ideas are not the enemy. Ideas merely ask us to rethink our own position. Critically thinking is an important element of the democratic process and the free exchange of ideas is part of the process. With that exchange comes the acceptance of responsibility by writers, speakers, and movie makers for their ideas and actions.