Dean's World

Zero tolerance strikes again. The rule was in place to stop use during class, but had no exceptions for non-class time. So, the teacher had little option. Rules are, indeed, rules and allowing a blatant disregard even for stupid ones can cause trouble. But, there should be "wiggle room"...

Too, as pointed out several times (especially by the guy [in comments at Moderate Voice] who says he knows the family), we don't know just what went down. When told he must stop his conversation, did the youngster explain (calmly) that it was his mother who was in a timezone and with responsibilities that greatly limited the times she could call, or did he just refuse without explanation?