F-word policy should stand for failure

I have always given the British credit for their refinement, their civility and their restraint. Now give them credit for their stupidity. Or at least some of them.

This is really hard to believe.

Weavers School in England is our equivalent of an alternative school - it includes primarily 15- and 16-year-olds who have had past behavior problems in school. The school just announced a new policy that allows students to use the f-word in class up to five times each day. If the student uses the magical phrase more than five times, they will be spoken to.

The teachers will keep a running score of the f-word total from each student on the chalkboard daily.

Parents and even the British government are understandably upset by the new policy. But the school administration is adamant that the policy will stand. They argue that since this language is a part of the students' daily lives, why not allow that same language in the classroom. And apparently they offer that argument with a straight face.

The administration thinks that the policy will force the students to consider their language choices and perhaps change their foul-mouths. But parents believe just the opposite will happen. I would bet that some students near the end of the school day will see they have some free f-words to their credit and make up for lost time.

At what point did humanity simply lose their collective minds? Who in their right mind would actually suggest such a policy? If I didn't know better, I would bet this is just a joke. But apparently I would lose that bet.

This is just like letting a person commit a crime but allowing them five opportunities each day before they are corrected. Am I missing something here?

OK, so I still respect the British and admire their stiff upper lip. But somewhere around Weavers School are a few Brits who make you wonder what the hell they were thinking!