Should Students Who Break School Facilities Be Immediately Expelled?

Expelling a student who damages school property may seem like a straightforward disciplinary measure. Still, it raises more profound questions about justice, intent, and the role of education in shaping behaviour. While schools must protect their facilities and ensure a safe environment, immediate expulsion can be an extreme response that neglects the opportunity for correction and learning.

An act such as accidental breakage cannot be regarded in the same manner as vandalism. Nonetheless, removing a student from the school entirely neglects any opportunity to understand the consequences of their actions, depriving them of truly learning the value of responsibility and enabling growth in the process. Implementing policies requires allowing avenues for self-expression.

Students who cause damage should be allowed to learn from their mistakes. This does not mandate removing them from the school as an initial solution. Disciplinary measures like restitution, counselling, and, depending on how voluntary the breaking of rules was, even temporary suspension, should be considered instead of expulsion.

However, repeated or dangerous offences may warrant more serious action, including expulsion, to maintain order and protect others. Ultimately, discipline should be fair, proportionate, and focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.