Is A School “Giving Up” On Students It Expels?

“Teacher: Can we talk about Oliver? 

Principal: What has he done this time? 

Teacher: Today, just a lot of the same small stuff.  

Principal: Then what’s the problem? 

Teacher: I know that re-enrollment contracts are going out in a couple weeks and I wanted to know if you’re planning on inviting Oliver to come back next year? 

Principal: Look, Oliver is a tough student. I get it. But I’ve seen students turn things around during sophomore year and I think Oliver is capable of change.  

Teacher: Is there any student at this school who isn’t capable of change? 

Principal: No, I think everyone is capable of change.  

Teacher: I agree, but do you ever think it is appropriate to kick a student out? 

Principal: Sometimes, sure.  

Teacher: Then you sometimes have to kick out students who are capable of change.  

Principal: I suppose so.  

Teacher: Then why offer Oliver a re-enrollment contract?” 

-from my latest for CiRCE