Despite the importance of a diploma, there are students who do not go to school. More than 40 states regard their truancy as a "status offense," which carries with it various penalties. Three advocacy groups representing seven students in Texas recently filed a complaint with the Justice Department charging that their clients' constitutional rights were violated by the state ("Texas Students Sue Over Truancy Punishment," The Wall Street Journal, Jun. 13).

Before jumping to conclusions about the validity of the lawsuit, I'd like to know the reasons for the truancy, not only in the case of the seven students but for others as well. I say that because sometimes students run afoul of truancy laws due to circumstances beyond their control. For example, students from poor homes may miss school because they have to take care of their younger siblings or assist ailing parents. They deserve special consideration and assistance.

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