Tennessee School Expels 10-Year-Old for Making a Finger Gun

A Tennessee school has taken its absurd "zero tolerance" policy to new heights by expelling a 10-year-old for a year—yes, a year—because he made a finger gun and pretended to shoot. This ridiculous overreaction is part of a law meant to address "mass violence," but instead, it’s sweeping up innocent kids in its wake. The law, originally passed after a real tragedy in Nashville, was supposed to be for "valid" threats, but apparently, schools are more interested in enforcing it as broadly as possible.

The result? A surge in expulsions. Metro Nashville public schools kicked out 42 students last year for making threats, double the previous year’s number. Another district expelled 33 students—27 for supposed "mass violence" threats—compared to just six the year before. When asked why, a school official vaguely pointed to the new law.

This draconian approach is turning kids’ lives upside down. Expelled students are left with subpar online programs or alternative schools—if they can even find one. While protecting students from real threats is important, punishing them for a finger gun is nothing short of absurd.

Take the case of a high schooler known as a class clown who joked about violence. Rumors twisted his words, and before he knew it, he was being interrogated by a cop and expelled for a year. And the 10-year-old? His mother had to homeschool him, adding to the challenges he already faced.

In a misguided attempt to prevent real violence, Tennessee has embraced fearmongering, turning harmless jokes into life-altering punishments. It’s as if the state has declared war on finger guns instead of focusing on actual threats.

More

If you'd like to help support this censorship-proof public service, consider donating:
Bitcoin address: bc1qq7tnet6ys0dkvl336v8d0prqnmvk9zzj2dxpqe
Join Jim Watkins, Dee Stevens and Orlando on The Ship Show!
More great sources

What do you think about this article?

Name
Comment *
Image