Does reducing the dropout rate mean accepting more violence?

Could the fight against dropouts lead to more fights on campus?

A new report by Philadelphia's School Reform Commission suggests that schools reexamine zero-tolerance policies toward violence in order to keep more students in school.

To be certain, Philly has a tough hill to climb when it comes to the dropout epidemic. Only 56 percent of district students graduate in four years, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. In an effort to increase the graduation rate, the commission report suggested that the district should amend its violence policy "to strike a balance" between making schools safe and offering disciplinary options that keep students engaged in learning.

But would readmitting students who have committed acts of violence against other students help reduce the dropout rate — or could it make things worse?

More than one in 20 American students stay home from school at least one day each month because they do not feel safe at school, according to the Center for Public Education. And more than one in 10 dropouts say they left school because they did not feel safe.

Philadelphia school officials should bear these statistics in mind as they consider the commission's recommendations. They might also wish to consider online education as a suitable alternative educational delivery system for students who have a history of violence. 

Through online study, students who have lost the privilege to attend school with their peers can learn from their mistakes and stay on track for graduation — and students who have the right to feel safe in school can have that right respected.