Many schools have adopted zero tolerance rules. Zero tolerance means that no exceptions are allowed and all cases are treated with the same seriousness. Since zero tolerance rules were placed, there have been many discussions and controversies over whether or not the rule is fair.
Most zero tolerance rules deal with violence and drugs.
Deciding if zero tolerance is a good policy or a bad policy is a hard decision. While most of us think that there should be no exceptions for violence or drugs at school, there are some unique cases to consider. When most people think of drugs and violence at school, they are thinking of not allowing the worst cases. They forget about all that is in between.
For example it sounds good to say that forms of violence, including threats, weapons, and violent talk are included in the zero tolerance and not allowed. I am against any type of violence. However, can we say that we feel that a five year old boy that uses his fingers as a gun while playing on the playground and says, “I’m going to shot you” should be expelled from school? Perhaps. But perhaps the child has been allowed to watch too many movies at home and simply does not know any better. While his words may be innocent enough, zero tolerance does not let him slide.
In addition, the same goes for drugs at school. I am completely against drugs at school. However, I do feel that a sixteen year old girl found with Midol in her purse is different than a child with pot in a locker. Yet, in most cases, zero tolerance kicks both students out of school.
Zero tolerance has a good purpose and is meant to be in the best interest of the children. However, any rule that does not take individual cases into account is sure to have some faults.
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