Do the right thing - and get expelled from school?

A Warren Township eighth-grader, Elliot Voge, was walking to school last month and realized that he had left a Swiss Army knife in his coatpocket when working outside at home the day before. Since knives are prohibited at school, the first thing he did upon arriving at school was report to the office and turn in the knife, explaining his mistake. He did the honest thing and had no ill-intent...bringing his TOOL with him (which is what a Swiss Army knife is...NOT a weapon) was an honest mistake.

Now, the school's principal, Jimmy Meadows, has suspended Elliot for the maximum 10 school days as allowed by law and recommended Elliot be expelled for the rest of the school year. A confidential expulsion hearing is scheduled for April 10.

Elliot's mother was notified by letter on March 21 of the potential expulsion of her son. She also received a letter dated March 20 from Michael J. Wallpe, Warren Township Schools' associate superintendent of school improvement. Ironically, this letter letter stated that Elliot has been recommended for advanced placement courses in English, science and social studies for his freshman year at Warren Central High School. Unfortunately, his recent suspension has already damaged the grades on his latest report card.

So, what is the school district trying to teach students here? Be dishonest because being honest about your mistakes carries heavy consequences? Making responsible choices carries risk?

I'll be watching this case closely as this is our school district. I hope that the administration makes the responsible choice here, just like Elliot did.