During a recent visit to Tampa I read about a Florida high school principal who charged students $2 to attend a pep rally during school hours. If students did not, or could not, pay they were assigned to a study hall. Parents objected to what they called a "shake down." The principal said that he wasn't aware of any restrictions on charging students for such events.
While schools across the country are pressed for funds nothing justifies this sort of behavior. Even if it were legal, and it wasn't according to Board policy, it treads a mighty thin ethical line.
In Michigan the state Supreme Court has ruled that things occurring during the school day are part of the educational experience and since the Michigan Constitution says public education is "free" then there can be no charge. That includes field trips that occur during the school day.
I'd be interested in what you think about this principal's action.
