www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/opinions/letters/1440520,6_4_NA20_LETTERS_S1.article
SUN LTE 2/20/09Juvenile detention option in pre-teen assault case
Two adolescents have been charged with felony sexual assault of another adolescent. All three attend Gregory Middle School in Naperville.
Parents of the victim want the school to remove the two students who have not been convicted of anything as of yet to another school or alternative program that may or may not exist. Due to the fact that the alleged attack took place at a private residence not on school time or property, their hands are tied.
School districts are not part of the criminal system, nor should they be.
There is, however, an answer.
As a veteran teacher of 35 years with 25 years teaching students with severe behavioral problems I have had students who for far lesser charges have been sent to juvenile detention to await trial.
I also realize that it is difficult for law enforcement to balance the rights of those charged with the rights of the victim. I understand that law enforcement can choose from five options when dealing with juvenile offenders, one of which is to release the juvenile to the parent, but it would seem that these two lacked parental supervision to begin with.
Law enforcement has put the problem squarely at the doorstep of District 204. Given the gravity of the charge it begs the questions: Why weren't these two put in juvenile detention? Why hasn't anyone even asked that question of law enforcement? The option exists to protect the victim and other students.
Joan Knopp
Naperville