HISD to bullies, cheats: Hey, cut it out!

Depending on a board vote later this week, HISD might crack down on bullying, cheating and classroom distractions — all the things that make school so memorable. A new code of student conduct under consideration by the HISD trustees would give teeth to the district's bullying rules, which now stipulates that students who bully or verbally abuse other students have reports sent home to their parents and might get detention. Under the new policy, principals would be able to suspend bullies or send them to alternative school, and any assault by a student — physical or not — would result in removal to alternative school.

"Bullying is a serious issue at school," superintendent Dr. Abelardo Saavedra said. "It can have long-term effects on the victims and seriously harm the child's ability to learn and grow."

The new policy would also be aimed at cheating: Students found cheating would have notices sent home and would have to attend special meetings with their principals. They could also be given detention or in-school suspension and could be banned from extracurricular activities and riding school buses. In addition, the policy calls for individual campuses to regulate the use of cell phones, mp3 players and other electronic gadgets. Which leaves us to wonder: What are the kids supposed to do on campus? Learn? Come on!

The board is expected to vote on the proposals Thursday.