[summer]

It is possible that the boy was having trouble with other students on a repeated basis that the school was doing nothing about.

OK. What you mention sometimes does happen -- but did it happen here?

If it was even being alleged by the boy and his dad, I am sure it would have found its way into this TIME magazine article, which is extremely sympathic to the boy and his father. But, no mention here.

I agree with you that at times, there are matters and facts not immediately known.

However, I would also point out this: at other times, there is a kid who is basically a bully, and finally, he goes too far. That happens too. And, when it does, the situation can be fairly cut and dried.

Based on the boy's own admissions in this article, I bet you could easily find a number of other students who have also been called names by this kid, or felt compelled to walk away quickly before he threw the first punch at them.

Yet, now, in this particular instance, he threw the first punch, after some name calling -- and, kept beating up on a kid until the result was an injury requiring five stitches. That's a very serious injury. And, that's why a kid who does this gets expelled.

[farmfriend]

However, I would also point out this: at other times, there is a kid who is basically a bully, and finally, he goes too far.

This is true, there was such a case here in Sac. recently. A kis blew a gum rapper projectile at a boy and put his eye out. The father was trying to portray it as an unfortunate accident until the neighbors came out in force and told what terrors these boys were. They received 9 days in juvy. This could be one of those cases. I don't discount that at all.

There are many times when I will pass judgement based on what I read or surmise. I don't feel comfortable, and I admit this is solely based on my feeling, in doing that this time.