Six-year-old sent to reform school for bringing a "weapon" (Cub Scout camping cutlery) to school

From the "This is too ridiculous for words" Department:

Zachary Christie is a six-year old student in Newark, Delaware who is facing 45 days in reform school because he brought his new Cub Scout eating utensil to school for lunch. The utensil includes a knife, and this violates the school's brain-dead, knee jerk reaction and 'enforcement' of the zero-tolerance policy on "weapons on school property."

Critics contend that zero-tolerance policies like those in the Christina district have led to sharp increases in suspensions and expulsions, often putting children on the streets or in other places where their behavior only worsens, and that the policies undermine the ability of school officials to use common sense in handling minor infractions.

"Something has to change," said Dodi Herbert, whose 13-year old son, Kyle, was suspended in May and ordered to attend the Christina district's reform school for 45 days after another student dropped a pocket knife in his lap. School officials declined to comment on the case for reasons of privacy.

Ms. Herbert, who said her son was a straight-A student, has since been home-schooling him instead of sending him to the reform school...

"I just think the other kids may tease me for being in trouble," he said, pausing before adding, "but I think the rules are what is wrong, not me."

It's a Fork, It's a Spoon, It's a ... Weapon?

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6-year-old suspended over 'zero tolerance'

Zachary Christie never thought his Cub Scout utensil would get him in so much trouble.

'Seems unfair'

Also:

• 'Zero tolerance' policies
• French school phone ban
• Parochial school crisis