The values of discipline, self-respect, neatness, and moderation are not optional; they are foundational. Yet, if schools are stripped of their authority to set and enforce reasonable standards, how can they effectively mould young men and women into disciplined, responsible citizens? To erode these standards now risks undermining the very culture of discipline and high achievement that we desperately need. After 260 years of Catholic education in this country, we know this much: lowering standards never builds strong communities; it only weakens them. To deny them this by lowering the bar of discipline is to fail them.