Was slamming a rebellious student in class going too far?

The South Carolina body slam heard ‘round the country at Spring Valley High School last month has sparked a debate of how much is too much when it comes to police enforcement.

Water cooler conversations have centered around former police officer Ben Fields’ aggressive police history or the students’ motives when she admitted to telling another student to film the interaction (did we expect any less?)

Well, plug into our water cooler conversation as we debate: Spring Valley take down — fair treatment or too rough?

Fair treatment

I was raised to respect authority. For those of you who weren’t, like Jane Doe at Spring Valley High School, I’m sorry about the lessons you will or have learned. If a police officer tells me to stop, I stop. If I’m handed a contract, I read it before I sign it. I live with the consequences of my actions, and I teach my children, ages 17 and 12, that they must live with their actions.

Jane Doe had the luxury of being warned twice to leave the classroom — both times by authoritative figures — before being forcefully made to do what she didn’t want to do. Next time, which there will be a next time, she’ll more than likely just deal with the law and no warning. She got what she deserved and Officer Fields was wrongfully released.

Are you kidding?

Granted, a child - or an adult, for that matter - should respect authority.

However, a minor shouldn’t be subjected to being slammed to the ground in front of the class. The move by the school resource officer more than likely sparked emotions of fear rather than security among the other students.

Ensuring discipline in school is paramount to the learning process, but approaching it like a World Wrestling Federation star is a little extreme.

Shouldn’t they bring back corporal punishment before resulting to body slams?

Sound off

Tell us your opinion. Go to The Surge MB Facebook page and tell us what you think.

This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 9:06 AM with the headline "Was slamming a rebellious student in class going too far?."