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As of February 28, the leadership class and the Student Advisory
Council at Hope Secondary School and the Town Council of Hope
recognized the area around the school as a "Drug Free Zone".
Representatives from the school joined H.S.S. liaison officer,
RCMP Constable Jeff Scott on this evening to present the "Drug
Free Zone" concept to the town's elected officials. At this
meeting, the town council approved the idea, and set aside the
decision regarding funding for the signs until estimates are
obtained. |
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The school's administration, students and the RCMP have yet
to set up an official perimeter around our school as the actual
area it will cover is still being determined. Once this is done,
signs will bill posted indicating that there is a ZERO tolerance
for drugs within the area.
This "Zone" is not a new concept. Similar "Drug
Free Zones" are run in Kamloops, Victoria, and Kelowna.
By the sounds of everything the program is well run and highly
respected throughout the schools in those communities.
This "Drug Free Zone" means an increase in punishment
not a change in law. The police already have the right to suggest
strict adherence to punishments when anyone is caught with drugs
around ANY school. This Zone will only make those boundaries
clearer and getting caught with a roach, joint, bag, or even
an ounce of weed could result in the same punishment. The only
difference with charges is if you are caught with enough to be
charged with trafficking, or caught with a harder drug.
As for being caught with nothing but being high, police have
no say in that, although, if you are thought to be ‘ripped',
the school still has the right to suspend you.
The "Drug Free Zone" is new to our school, but the
law behind it is not. Drugs are illegal, and are not tolerated
in any school area. As Constable Scott says, "School is
a place to learn not a place for drugs." |
