Topic: School Discipline

Teachers' unions are facing criticism for refusing to return to classrooms, with some linking reopening to broad social justice demands. The Chesapeake school board discussed potential disciplinary actions for students who refuse to wear masks, including phone calls to parents and formal conduct violations. The trend suggests a shift toward homeschooling as parents become disillusioned with the public school system's rigid COVID-19 protocols.

The Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program is being implemented in US schools, including Stoneman Douglas. The program uses a rewards-based system that adjusts consequences based on a student's race, culture, and socioeconomic background. Critics argue that labeling children from poverty as "brain damaged" or unable to control their amygdala undermines discipline and creates a new form of soft racism.

Reports from Colorado suggest that marijuana has become the primary reason for student expulsions following legalization. While illegal for those under 21, students claim the drug is easily accessible. The hosts suggest these reports are being sensationalized by the Justice Department to undermine state legalization efforts, noting that youth drug use is a long-standing issue regardless of legal status.

A 13-year-old student at Eatonville Middle School was disciplined for creating a "kill list" targeting ten other students. The discussion links this to broader zero-tolerance trends in schools, including the banning of bubble guns and the removal of traditional gun safety programs.

The hosts briefly touch on global warming skepticism, mentioning eminent physicists who doubt man-made climate change. They then discuss a New Jersey school district's decision to eliminate the "D" grade, requiring students to either pass with a "C" or fail. This leads to a discussion on the increasing use of Tasers by police in schools to manage unruly students, which the hosts condemn as a failure of child-rearing.