In April, a 17-year-old student was questioned by school security concerning a theft from the chemistry lab. As stated in this space before, courts have maintained schools can conduct any search of students or their property if there is a reasonable purpose for doing so.

When the student's car, which was parked in the school lot, was searched, authorities found two real-looking air guns and a saw. He was then suspended and, earlier this month, expelled for nine months by the school board.

The district revised its weapons policy in 2002. The policy lists the type of weapons which are not allowed on school property, including "pellet guns, B.B. guns and look-alike firearms." It also clearly spells out the disciplinary action for any violations:

We are sympathetic to the student, a senior this year, and we give him praises for later admitting his mistake. But we must support the school board for adhering to its own policy, as well as that in the federal Safe Schools Act, which requires expulsion for any weapons policy violation. Unfortunately, we live in a world where just a policy is necessary.

Every student is aware of the no-tolerance attitude toward violence in and around schools. The consequences for violating any such policy are severe, as they should be if only to emphasize its importance. There are no provisions in either the state or Bethel Park policy for first time offenders. It is a blanket disciplinary action - expulsion - for any violators.

It is interesting to note that, on the school board agenda in both June and July, an expulsion agreement for the student who is the focus of this debate came from a recommendation from the superintendent. No action was taken in either of those two months. When this student was actually expelled by the board during a special meeting on Aug. 8, the recommendation came from a hearing officer, not the superintendent.

The Safe Schools Act does allow for modifications to a student expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The Pennsylvania school code requires a formal hearing prior to any proposed expulsion. If it is conducted by a hearing examiner, a majority vote by the school board is required to expel the student.

The state school code gives the student many rights at the private hearing, including being represented by counsel. The student also has a right to all documents and names of witnesses, and may question any of those witnesses. The student may testify on his behalf and bring his own witnesses. The student may also appeal the expulsion ruling.

For now an Allegheny County Common Pleas Court judge has granted an injunction which will allow the student to start school with the rest of his classmates. We must, though, stand behind the actions of the school board, however severe - or unpopular - it may seem.

A decision to expel a student from school, particularly one that will be a senior, is never taken lightly. Violations of any school policy, especially where weapons of any kind are concerned, should not be taken lightly, either.