April 18, 2004, 1:14AM
Zero tolerance raises alarms
Parents say Katy ISD overdisciplining students for minor offenses
By RACHEL GRAVES
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
KATY -- Bubbly and bright, Jewel Caillet considered herself "Miss Teen Spirit" until she was accused of drinking at a high school football game and subjected to 3 1/2 months in the Katy Independent School District's discipline school.
The 16-year-old says she was not drinking and was refused the opportunity to take a Breathalyzer test. A municipal court judge threw out the charge. But KISD still sent Jewel to the discipline school, where students cannot have a locker or pens because they could be used to hide drugs. Each day, Jewel was required to bare her midriff, ankles and feet for inspections to ensure she was not carrying contraband.
Stories like hers have become increasingly common.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2511629