What’s Wrong With a Little Tape?

Re your story “Tustin District Bars Substitute Who Allegedly Taped Girl’s Mouth Shut” March 22:

It’s hard to imagine the hysteria surrounding something so banal as putting tape over a student’s mouth because he or she talked too much in class. Get real. I recall a number of times in various grades where teachers did the same to my fellow classmates or me. And guess what? We deserved it.

As for the threat of also tying her presumably to her seat, I would have much preferred that to some of the corporal punishments my teachers used, including turning a ruler on its side and wrapping your knuckles with it, or doing the same with a key chain loaded with 20 or so keys. And guess what? I deserved that too.

Instead of supporting the teacher’s effort to instill class discipline, the school district asked for a police investigation. No wonder we are having such a hard time recruiting teachers.

DREW LAWLER

Newport Beach

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I am in dismay after news reports of the alleged taping of an unruly first-grader’s mouth by a substitute teacher. Problem is, my anger is not directed at the substitute teacher, but the Tustin Unified School District personnel for their typical contemporary American view of discipline criticism.

What a great, nonviolent way to “shut up” an unruly child. Taping the mouth of this child sent a message to the rest of the class that further class disruptions would not be tolerated. Thanks to this educational system of political correctness and the media, this kid is made out to be a martyr.

Society and school administrators condone bad behavior by students by not standing behind the heroes in the trenches, our teachers.

This case paints a vivid portrait why our schools are in major decline. Politicians and school administrators want more of taxpayers’ money to improve our schools. I say, forget the money and provide severe disciplinary measures. Our kids need to be held accountable for their actions. And school administrators need to be held accountable for their lack of action.

DANIEL MURPHY

Camarillo