I am writing in response to the article "School's zero-tolerance policies criticized" (May 19).
As a high school student, I feel that students are being punished too harshly for small infractions. I think it is ridiculous that a student gets suspended for carrying something to protect herself while walking back and forth to school. I agree that schools have an obligation to create a safe and orderly environment, but this student did not even use the spray in school. I don't think it is fair that this girl may be charged criminally for not even hurting anyone. These zero-tolerance policies are getting way out of control and incidents like this, where no one is harmed, should be reviewed on a case- by-case basis.
Rachel Talipan, Bel Air
The writer is a junior at Bel Air High School.