Expelling Zero-Tolerance 1

Expelling the Zero-Tolerance Policy

Monica M. Monarez

California State University Dominguez Hills

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Abstract

The zero-tolerance policy is a controversial topic in the field of Education. The idea to abolish

these policies are argued while providing reasoning, examples, and sources. The idea that the

zero-tolerance policy is instilled for many positive purposes is also examined. Together, these

ideas suggest that the zero-tolerance policy in school need to be eliminated.

Keywords: zero-tolerance, policy, education.

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Expelling the Zero-Tolerance Policy

The zero-tolerance policy has been in schools across the United States for over two

decades. These strict policies have been a controversial topic amongst educators, administrators,

parents, and students. These policies provide punishments that are severe and harsh regardless of

the students intensions, reasoning, or remorse. These sets of rules refrain students from having a

weapon, such as a knife or gun, threatening any other students or faculty members, and using

drugs on campus. Punishments can range from detention to expulsion and are decided upon by

the schools administration. Most people believe a positive disciplinary system should be

intended to help a student learn and move on from their mistake. Others argue the zero-tolerance

policys strict nature is exactly what the American youth needs. The zero-tolerance policy should

be abolished in schools because its guidelines can be harsher on some students more than others,

can take troubled children out of a positive environment, and have no evidence of really

working.

Are Some Students Better Than Others?

Zero Tolerance policy should be ended because these policies can be

harsher on some students more than others. Most of the zero-tolerance

policies in schools are in regards to weapons, harassment, and drugs. If any

staff member, visitor on campus, or student possesses any of the banned

items they are to be immediately punished without being able to clarify or

justify their reasoning. In some cases, administration has been known to

abuse these policies depending on which student is breaking the rules.

According to NPR, multiple reports indicate schools punish black, Latino

and disabled students more often and more harshly than others. Those
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students face a higher risk of falling behind or dropping out. There is no

reason any school should follow policies in which some students are more

likely to get in trouble than others.

Negative Students Need a Positive Environment

Zero-tolerance policy takes troubled students out of a positive

environment. Many of the students who are expelled from school because of

breaking zero-tolerance rules have a hard time coping with the expulsion.

Rather than providing these students with forgiveness and the knowledge of

better decision making, schools avoid fixing the problem all together. If a

school expels a students, the student might feel as though they are bad

and give up on pursuing an education altogether. This dramatic change in

their life can affect their personal relationships and can even harm their

self-esteem. This can lead to a troubling life of more bad decision making.

The National Bureau of Economic Research states, Students with criminal

records are less likely to graduate and significantly more likely to be

incarcerated as an adult, they also add that, youth of color or those with

disabilities are disproportionately targeted by this policy. If a student

witnesses a minority in which they belong to being targeted by the school

administration they might feel more compelled to act out in opposition.

Even by expelling these students, the school is ultimately making troubled

youth far more disturbed and vulnerable.

Zero-Tolerance Makes Zero Sense

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There is no evidence zero-tolerance policy even works. The zero-

tolerance policy has been around for many years and there is little to no

evidence that suggests this form of discipline is ideal. Education World, a

renowned company that provides the latest news in Education, writes,

Current zero-tolerance policies must be stopped because they simply don't

work. Youth violence is a complicated issue that can be addressed only by

early intervention and prevention programs involving schools, families, and

communities in dealing with the causes of violent behavior -- and prevented

with adequate security. Zero-tolerance policies provide the illusion that

schools are dealing with youth violence, when, in fact, they are simply

attempting to shove it outside and lock the door. Providing strict

punishments and the expulsion of students is not the answer. The zero-

tolerance policy has not been proven to be the best policy for schools and

that factor alone should make administrators want to try different methods

until they have found one that is best suits their students needs.

Is Zero-Tolerance What Students Really Need?

Many argue that the American youth need the firm rules that come

with the zero-tolerance policy. Some say that this policy can eliminate the

students who do not want to be at school in the first place. Due to the bad

areas in which schools are located and over-crowded with juvenile

delinquents, these rules are meant to provide a safe environment for the

other students trying to do well and succeed. The zero-tolerance policy can

be viewed as a warning to students of the seriousness and reality in making

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bad decisions and what those decisions can lead to if these policies are to

be broken

Final Thoughts

Guidelines that are harsher on some students more than others should

not be permitted in school. The zero-tolerance policy should not focus on

taking troubled youth out of the school system, but instead helping them.

This policy, even being implemented for over two decades, has shown no

evidence that suggests it is the best policy for schools in the United States.

The zero-tolerance policy should be abolished so that school districts are

able to focus on finding a policy that works. Teachers, administrators, and

parents need to come together to organize a new policy that best fits the

needs of the students and schools.

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References

Education World: Stop Tolerating Zero Tolerance. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues303.shtml

Fed Up With Zero Tolerance In Schools, Advocates Push For Change : NPR. (n.d.). Retrieved

from http://www.npr.org/2014/02/26/275978805/fed-up-with-zero-tolerance-advocates-

push-for-change

LA schools to end zero-tolerance policies and criminalization of students | Al Jazeera America.

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/19/zero-tolerance-

school.html