Week of 12/13/10: Safe schools snippets

Schools and legal system mistreat gays, study says

Read this New York Times story about a study showing that gay, lesbian and bisexual teenagers in the United States are far more likely to be harshly punished by schools and courts than their straight peers, even though they are less likely to engage in serious misdeeds. The story is based on a study published on Monday in the medical journal Pediatrics.

Police identify man who shot teen near school

9News provides the latest on the shooting of a 17-year-old girl near Aurora Central High School. Police confirmed on Thursday that the shooting was gang related, and have arrested 19-year-old Luis Guzman-Rincon in connection with the case. Guzman-Rincon is believed to be an undocumented immigrant. Police are not releasing a photo of Guzman-Rincon due to the ongoing investigation. Karina Vargas was shot around 2:30 p.m. on Monday near 11th Avenue and Newark Street, according to police. The Denver Post reported the shooting was connected to the Devils Angels gang. Vargas was taken to the hospital by friends or acquaintances and is in serious condition.

Boulder DA: Police should step back from school discipline

The Daily Camera writes about the latest push by Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett to make sure all students are treated fairly when they get into trouble. He says Colorado schools should back away from relying on police to handle minor behavioral issues because double-dip punishment from courts and schools can lead to increased drop-out rates and other unintended consequences.

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