Editorial: How many third-graders would Jesus suspend?
Our Monday editorials are written on Sunday. Hence, this examination of SB 81 was crafted on Easter.
That bill (embedded below), authored by Sen. Ron Sharp (R-Shawnee) and Rep. Jadine Nolan (R-Sand Springs), would lower the minimum grade level from sixth to third for certain mandatory and optional school suspensions.
Functionally, that means Oklahoma schools would be required to suspend fifth-, fourth- and third-graders who “attempt to cause physical bodily injury” to any school employee or volunteer. Such a suspension would last for at least the current semester and at most the entire subsequent semester, too.
The bill would also mean third- through fifth-graders could face suspension for “violation of a school regulation.” They could also be suspended for possessing Bud Lite, a dangerous weapon or a controlled substance within 2,000 feet of school property.
As SB 81 could be heard on the House floor in the immediate days after Easter, the most infamous bracelets of the 1990s beg the question: How many third graders would Jesus suspend?
An ineffective way to help children
While we have a number of theological contributors who could answer this question more biblically than our editorial board, trying to unpack the potential effects of SB 81 remains important.
Children with disruptive, injurious or violent tendencies are often the victims of abuse themselves. Their pain, trauma and anger — when combined with additional stress factors Editorial: How many third-graders would Jesus suspend? - NonDoc:
