Summary:

While many decisions that a principal must make can be delayed as the leader ponders the best course of action or even seeks input from a variety of stakeholders, the situation at the game screamed for a prompt, damage-control response. Several thoughts passed through the principal’s mind: The teachers were of legal age to drink, but were clearly under the influence of alcohol at a school event; to allow the inebriated trio to remain might send an undesired message of tolerance for behavior that, if exhibited by a student, would result in consequences that could include suspension and referral for further evaluation by a substance-abuse counselor; to send the teachers home might create a scene if they were to resist the idea of being required to leave the game; sending the trio home with one of them at the wheel opened other possibilities for school liability, including natural consequences the principal preferred not to invite. ACCESS FULL MANUSCRIPT AT: http://cnx.org/content/m43652/latest/