The police might have used excessive tactics when arresting Ahmed, but their efforts to protect other students and teachers was understandable.

We frequently hear about yet another school shooting, act of violence or threat.

Then many of us focus our blame on law enforcement officials not doing their jobs efficiently – stopping these acts before they happen.

But this time, when they were overly cautions, we cry outrage at how the treated 14-year-old Ahmed by detaining and handcuffing him after he brought a clock and some wiring to school.

Thousands have flocked to social media – taking both sides – asserting that he is a genius-to-be, a foolish kid or something in between. Even President Barack Obama took to Twitter to support Ahmed.

But let’s step back for a second, dial back the outrage and look for a civil interpretation. Ahmed could have mentioned – in advance – to his teacher what he planned to do. He could have sought, and presumably received, permission from the school staff and security to bring in his project.

In that scenario, the police or school officials could have met him, inspected the project and given him clearance.

It seems so simple, right? But it isn’t.

According to The New York Times, the President’s spokesperson said it was an example of “unreasoned prejudice in an era when the country is fighting Islamic terrorism at home and in the Middle East.”

This statement just adds fuel to the fire by race-baiting.

Let’s say a white male student did exactly what Ahmed did, and was dealt with in exactly the same way. People would read the story, then say, “What an idiot. He should’ve known better.”

Police and school officials have to be very cautious when any student – regardless of race, ethnicity or religion – brings to school a case containing a clock and some wiring, and does so unannounced.

Regrettably, we live in a world of fear these days. In retrospect, a different approach would have been better.

But police and school officials didn’t have the luxury of assuming things are OK when they have yet to make sure.

So which is it America? Should we cry about the police not doing their jobs efficiently and run the risk of a catastrophe, or of them acting quickly and decisively?

Even when police officers want to prevent a terrorist attack, they should use common sense before arresting and handcuffing a minor who was working on a project. They made a mistake in this case.

Children should feel safe and inspired at their places of study, not fearful. I firmly believe that children should be motivated at school because it is like their second home. Ahmed’s English teacher reported him to police because he brought a homemade device that included a clock and some wires to school. The teacher feared it was a bomb, or components that could be made into a bomb.

Ahmed dreams about being an engineer when he grows up, and his teachers should inspire him instead of accusing him without proof.

Even though the United States is in a constant fight against Islamic terrorism here and in the Middle East, Muslim immigrants should not be paying.

Immigrant children have — and must have — a right to feel free in this nation.

Moreover, the nationality, race or religion of immigrants should not be reasons to discriminate against them. Ahmed is a good example of how immigrants can be the target of some ignorant people in this country.

Racism is reprehensible anytime, but it is worse when is committed by teachers. They and police officers should be a positive example for the society. It is a shame when they are not.

Police departments should be more prepared and better trained in order to protect our nation. Also, teachers need to use their common sense before accusing a student of terrorism. Such accusations can cause huge trauma to a minor.

Fortunately, not everybody was happy about this incident. President Barack  Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, condemned this act openly and offered their support to Ahmed.

President Obama even invited the boy to the White House.

This action by the President is very laudable. I hope it will help other children to believe in this country.

The United States needs more scientists, something Ahmed might become. But actions like this by teachers and police officers can smash the dreams of a student with such talent, or any student.

I hope that immigrants like Ahmed continue believing in this country because discrimination is difficult to forget.