Disciplining Alemany Students

Re: “8 Alemany Students Asked to Withdraw,” March 23.

A lot of parents are waiting to see how the Alemany High [School] administration and archdiocese handle this matter. In public schools when a student disobeys the rules and the child is recommended to be expelled, the parents cry, “We pay our taxes, you can’t kick our kids out of school.” Therefore, the kids stay in, the rules have no meaning and the school is overrun by gangs and violence. For this reason, many parents pay their taxes, and they pay to send their child to a private school, where there are rules to help prevent this.

These students were well aware of the handbook rule, which states no gang affiliation and no dance crews, yet they thought themselves above the law or that they wouldn’t get caught, and they joined one anyway. It’s unfortunate that these good students with good grades have to leave such a fine school, but the handbook is written and is expected to be obeyed.

If the students who were expelled are allowed back into Alemany, what lesson would this teach: that it’s OK to break the rules; if your parents scream or protest loud enough, you will get back in. This is a matter of principle. These boys have set themselves up to be an example to the rest of the student body. It’s a hard lesson, but it is the responsibility of the administration and archdiocese to uphold the [rules] and stand firm.

DIANE BOONE

Castaic