In some urban districts that have suspended students for gun possession, there is evidence that the threat of suspension works.

Mr. Silver also called for legislation that would make it easier for school officials to suspend students caught carrying guns in schools.

The school also suspended several students who had posted negative comments.

To prove his design, and to awe non-believers, Fuller suspended from the structure's framework several students who had helped him build it.

And state law clearly supports our right to suspend students whose off-campus misconduct may cause problems in school.

And it allows schools to suspend students for up to 45 days for bringing a gun, other weapon or narcotics into a school.

In regard to lesser offenses, current state law allows principals to suspend students for up to five days.

"Most of the rules and regulations that schools institute, like suspending students for smoking on school grounds, don't seem to have a significant impact," he said.

Trouble is, many schools don't have strict disciplinary codes and, because of procedural safeguards, can't suspend or punish students.

Some colleges have begun to suspend students who require intensive psychological support.