Q&A: Permanent Expulsion of a Student from School
Permanent Expulsion of a Student from School
Question
There is currently a norm in the education system that a child is never permanently expelled from school. Even in cases where he regularly wrecks lessons, is physically and verbally violent, and is mainly occupied with preventing teachers from doing their job and the other students from learning in a quiet and safe environment. This norm creates great frustration and helplessness among teachers, leading to burnout and attrition on a not insignificant scale. The justification for this norm is that every child has a basic right to education, and we must not infringe on it.
I was wondering whether the Rabbi is familiar with this situation and what his opinion is about it.
Answer
I know that this is the trend, but I am not familiar with the laws on the matter. I understand the logic, but I also understand the opposing logic. If it is impossible to teach, then clearly he should be expelled. If it is only difficult to teach, that is a different matter. Where is the line? I don’t know.