The question of what to do about delinquent and violent behaviour among secondary school students is not a new debate in Trinidad and Tobago.As the episodes of student violence become more frequent, more vicious and more visible, the society keeps looking to our administrators for solutions.Police officers were introduced to some schools, but the violence has continued.I was part of a committee that examined student indiscipline and episodes of vulgarity and disruption within the precincts of the then-new National Library.At that time, I was among a minority on the committee who advocated that those students who repeatedly disturbed the library, smoked inside the buil­ding, and used loud, vulgar language in the reading areas should have their library cards cancelled and should be denied future entry.Several members objected and urged “holistic” solutions. The disruptions continued until the novelty of the spanking new library was worn off.In the present case of violence in our school system, there is the same difference of opinion.I feel strongly that we must lean in favour of the majority of respectful, well-behaved students. Those few, violent bullies who intimidate and abuse other students should, after three offences, be expelled from the school.They can be placed into a remedial system where their special needs of low self-esteem can be addressed, and where vocational and sport activities can be used to improve their sense of confidence in themselves.The removal of repeat delinquents is intended to safeguard the majority of other students who must be given a chance to excel in their academics. That majority must not see first hand, at such a young age, that there are no consequences for violence and dysfunction.We are going around in circles complaining about the disruptive school violence. We are ignoring those academically excellent students, both male and female, who are targeted and bullied for their academic success. We are dismantling our education apparatus from the inside.We tried “holistic” solutions to deal with adult lawlessness, with disastrous results. Let us not make the same mistake with our precious young.