As someone who works in the schools, I fully support the suspension of all students involved. First, there are too many conflicting stories about "what happened" to be able to sort it out with any fairness. Second, the same kids tend to be the fighters. They also have a lot of other school-related issues that keep them in the administrators offices day in and day out. Many of them are also involved with the juvenile justice system for crimes outside school.

That is the reality of schools today. I good friend of mine had neurological problems as a result of trying to break up a fight, which lasted for almost a year (she had been thrown to the floor trying to break up a fight, and knocked unconcsious).

I agree, kids do need protecting. But so do the staff and administrators. They ought to receive combat pay.