Students Strip Searched For $10

After one student claimed that her $10 was missing, Mainland Preparatory Academy Principal Wilma Green ordered that 10 students in the class be strip searched. Seven girls and three boys removed their clothing down to their underwear. The money wasn't found.

Principal Green has been criticized for not notifying and involving the parents of the children prior to the strip search. Personally, the criticism of the principal is reasonable, but I'd go one step further. In my opinion, the principal overreacted. Wilma Green ordered arguably harsh measures to be taken to resolve an infraction that may or may not have occurred. According to the report, the $10 was missing. That doesn't mean it was stolen. It may have been misplaced.

Even assuming it was stolen, the item wasn't a bomb, a weapon, nor a vial of anthrax powder. A dramatic, immediate search of the bodies and clothing of the students wasn't warranted. There was plenty of time to conduct a measured, thoughtful investigation. Principal Green acted impulsively. She should welcome the criticism as a cue to reassess the strength and effectiveness of her medications. With regard to not involving the parents, Principal Green's actions are inexcusable.

My take on the use of strip searches to gather evidence is simple. The situation should be life-threatening. The mystery of the missing sawbuck doesn't meet the criteria.

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