The College Fix

With mayors earning jail time for multiple felonies, City Council members taking bribes from sludge companies, and a school board leader who can’t read or write (and fondled himself in public), it’s safe to say that no city takes its duty to humiliate itself as seriously as Detroit. But just when it seems city officials couldn’t possibly make a further mockery of themselves, they always find a way. Education reform is a great venue for self embarrassment, of course. From The Detroit News:

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is pushing for a law that calls for jail time for parents who skip parent-teacher conferences, a plan some call inspired and others consider the nanny state run amok.

“Nanny state run amok” sounds about right. It’s a shame when struggling kids’ parents don’t attend school conferences, but turning them into criminals probably won’t contribute to a more studious home environment.  Surely, such a ludicrous proposal received derision from Detroit City Council, right? Nope:

Council President Charles Pugh said the proposed law would “send the right message.”

“We know at some point there has to be a line drawn and people held responsible,” Pugh said. “As lawmakers, we need to stop shaking our heads and look for opportunities to be bold but helpful.” …

Worthy also pitched the idea last week before the Detroit Public Schools Board of Education, which is considering it, said Anthony Adams, board president.

“We clearly need to do something about encouraging parents to be more involved in their child’s education,” Adams said.

“I don’t necessarily agree we need to be punishing. We have to find a middle ground.

Let’s hope the middle ground falls on the this-idea-is-insane side of the debate.

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