This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Regarding school locker searches ("Utah locker searches: Privacy invasion or wise precaution?" Tribune, Dec. 26), even "empty the pockets" searches, we have some interesting societal inconsistencies. Some parents and other "do gooders" are claiming privacy rights for the kids, yet our laws say kids are not mature enough to be treated the same as adults because their brains are not yet fully developed.
With rights go responsibilities. If the kids are not mature enough to be held responsible as adults, they shouldn't have the rights of adults. So search their lockers and their persons. If the irresponsible behavior of kids is causing danger in schools, let's find it.
As far as notifying parents, I say when a child is found harboring weapons or drugs, not only notify the parents, but charge the parents, I am appalled by the legal decision in Texas to let Ethan Couch, the drunken kid who killed four, off on probation with the "affluenza" defense because his wealthy parents did not clearly teach him right from wrong.
If we let the kid off on the premise that the parents failed the kid, then charge the parents with the crime. They failed society.
Cam Mosher
Salt Lake City