IF Statement

I am trying to use the following IF statement, and whenever I use a
single or double quote, I receive a syntax error. When using no
quotes, the syntax is accepted, but the statement does not perform
properly.

***The problem line***
<% if violation_type=''Tardy'' THEN %>
***rest of the statement***
TARDY VIOLATIONS
<% if rs2.Fields(0) = 0 THEN %>
This is the first unexcused Tardy violation for this employee. A
coaching is required. Click <A HREF=blah>HERE</Ato issue the
coaching.
<% ELSE %>
This employee has <%response.write(rs2.Fields(0))%previous
violations.
<% END IF %>
<% ELSE %>
The <%response.write(violation_type)%violation has been recorded.
<% END IF %>

Variables defined:
violation_type = request.form("violation_type")