It’s been a rough year for Cleveland teachers. Even by the standards of one of America’s most chaotic districts, students are beating on them at unprecedented rates.
The district has responded with the usual crime fighting solutions. It’s increased security and installed video cameras and metal detectors. Each day, students pass their way under the all seeing door frame. The theory goes that punches are far less harmful than gun shots or, say, sword wounds. So by making it harder to get those things inside the school, the place will become a safe haven for learning…
This article appears in May 7-13, 2008.