Commentary; Posted: 11/5/03

Let truancy problems work its way through the court system

By Don Heinzman

At first, Gov. Tim Pawlentyís suggestion to suspend drivers license privileges of those who are truant or drop out of school seems like a good idea. Most Minnesotans agree itís important for each child to get a high school diploma, which means they have to attend enough classes to get a passing grade.

Those who fail to graduate are headed for tougher times in this increasingly technical society.

Truancy is the gateway to juvenile crime as evidenced by the fact that the majority of prisoners in Minnesota do not have a high school diploma.

Eighteen states already have some form of Pawlentyís initiative. The idea is that those 16-18 years of age would lose their licenses if they miss 20 percent of school days or drop out of school.

Those truants would be reported to the Department of Public Safety that has the power to suspend licenses.

Some will argue that this is just another invasion of government into peopleís personal lives.

If parents want to sign off and let their kids drop out, thatís their business.

Others will argue that should this become law, the school systems will become the ìvillains,î in addition to having to keep records on whose truant and why.

Those who favor tying school attendance to driving a car say this is one consequence that will make a difference with kids who are truant.

In this suburban mobile society they need their cars.

Pawlentyís idea does provide for a waiver on hardship cases.

Proponents argue the stateís getting involved is worth it if the threat of losing driving privileges keeps kids in school.

The Governor deserves credit for keeping pressure on students to attend school.

After all, it is the stateís responsibility to provide a quality education for every child.

But if this is such a good idea, let the parents stand up and be parents and take away the car keys, if their kids insist in skipping school.

That, of course, is easier said than done, because parents would have to withstand some fierce reaction.

Some parents do grant driving privileges to their kids if they get good grades. These are not the ones skipping school.

Rather than have the state get involved, let truancy work its way through the courts and have the court suspend drivers licenses, which now is allowed by law.

Most juvenile courts have a process in place that requires attendance keeping, talking to the truant student, calling in their parents and eventually sending them to the juvenile court.

Revoking drivers licenses of students 16-18 is serious business, and the responsibility for doing so belongs to the parents and the courts.

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