Dear Editor,

Who came up with the idea that a child can drop out of school at age 16?

I think the idea contributes to Alabama’s dropout rate. Parents should be outraged at the law.

First, the child is a minor. He or she can’t perform some legal acts or obligations. What’s left for some children to do? Maybe a lifetime committing crimes? The child can’t cast a vote.

I think our legislators should take another look at the law.

The age 16 years old to drop out of high school should be changed.

Guess what? Seventy-six percent of the dropouts in Alabama are minorities.

–Bennie L. Chaney, Clanton