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To be searched or not to be…

Remember the film Matilda? Where the much feared school principal Ms. Trunchpol frightened the day lights of the children?  Everyone feared going to the dark choky, the most dreaded punishment of all!

But a choky never existed in real life or did it? Some six years ago, a vice principal’s decision to strip search a 13 year old female student for drugs, sparked millions of controversies.

Apparently the Supreme Court gave orders in favor of the female student recently. The court ruled saying that the decision of strip search violated the student’s the student’s rights. The student is now 19 years old and was present during the court hearing.
The search was made because the student was suspected of getting drugs into the school. The school authorities were informed by fellow students. Pills were found on the body of the female student but it wasn’t dangerous enough to qualify as drugs or material for substance abuse. Searching the students back pack and outer garments would not have offended anyone but going further than that was very humiliating.

By doing the strip search, the student was left deeply humiliated as her breast and pelvic region were exposed. Surprisingly no drugs were found her. This case sparked a lot of attention amongst the people across the nations. Schools and educational institutions got into debates whether or not such extreme punishments should be allowed in schools. Also how much leeway should be allowed? Parents were highly enraged by this act and some feared the safety of their children.

The student, who suffered this, was not mentally affected by the situation and took it in her stride. But what if some students cannot manage such acts? It could deeply scar some child mentally and children are known to take drastic steps. Some could go in to hiding and remain so for years. Some could develop psychological problems and become socially inept. Worst of all, someone could end their life.
Another problem the case faced was that of gender bias. Some male judges and members of the jury did not understand the humiliation the girl faced with such an act. It was difficult for them to see themselves in her situation and imagine her plight. 

But finally, the justice prevailed in the girl’s favor. She states, that she is very excited with such an outcome. She never imagined that they would favor her. She is glad that so many other students will not have to face similar situations and punishments.

This raises a few questions, how safe are our schools? Who gives the school authorities to announce such extreme punishments? Are punishments are good or not? What does a school derive from such decisions? Aren’t schools made for the betterment of the children and their future? So many unanswered questions linger in the minds of the people.

Let’s just pray that our children do not face such punishments and they have a peaceful school life. Lets wait and watch!