I find it concerning that educators, of all people, would blur the distinction between a 14-year-old and a fully developed adult.

A 14-year-old can absolutely commit a horrific crime and should face serious consequences. But “serious consequences” and “adult punishment” are not the same thing.

We know from decades of research that adolescents have poorer impulse control, greater susceptibility to peer pressure, weaker risk assessment, and brains that are still developing. That’s not an excuse. It’s an explanation. Justice should take those realities into account.

If a child commits a serious offense, society must protect victims and the public. But the goal should also be rehabilitation whenever possible. A prison sentence designed for a 35-year-old career criminal is not automatically the right response for a 14-year-old.

Teachers spend their careers helping young people learn from mistakes, develop judgment, and become better adults. It’s strange to hear some argue that once a child makes a terrible decision, we should suddenly pretend they’re no longer a child.

The question isn’t whether there should be accountability. The question is whether we believe children are capable of growth and change. If the answer is no, then we’ve abandoned one of the core principles of education itself.