Realities of Zero Tolerance Policies

Realities of Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools Education Realities of Zero Tolerance in Schools Realities of Zero Tolerance in Policies in Schools Widespread zero tolerance policies are approximately a decade old in the United States. Zero tolerance policies are a popular choice in American schools as part of a strategy to combat and eliminate violence, particularly in high schools.

Briefly, zero tolerance policies specify which conduct is unacceptable at school and the consequences that will follow for those who engage in the proscribed conduct; as suggested by their name, the policies allow for no exceptions, compromise, or discretion. (Rice, 2009, 556) American schools and other kinds of education venues began applying zero tolerance policies due to federal legislation stating that the choice for schools, in the case of students bringing firearms to school to either expel such students for a year or relinquish all federal funding for the school.

Zero tolerance policies can be applied to a number of objects or actions, and penalties are enforced strictly and consistently. In the case in Greenley, Colorado, I think that the students should have to face the penalties for violating the zero tolerance policy. It is a strict rule, yet the students were informed of the policy. The policy clearly states that authentic firearms as well as facsimiles of firearms are prohibited from school property. They knew better.

The tested the rules and in the end, they learned that the rules do apply to them. Yes, the punishment is harsh, but the students knew what the consequences for such actions were. If the students were unaware of the penalty, that is a different story. In any case, in light of the tragedies such as Virginia Tech, Columbine, and Sandy Hook, one wonders why a student would even tempt whatever policy was in place regarding guns at school.

It would make little sense to conclude that zero tolerance is ineffective and needs to be modified or discontinued if in fact zero tolerance was the only option for maintaining safe school climates conducive to learning. In recent years, however, numerous research studies, as well as a number of government panels, have critically examined violence prevention strategies. (APA, 2008, 856) Since those violent tragedies at American schools, guns in school are taken extremely seriously and punishment for firearms at school is given with prejudice.

The federal policies regarding firearms in schools were in place years before the events in Columbine. They became stricter after the shootings. Recently in Connecticut, there was another tragic shooting, this time at an elementary school. Some Americans responded by not sending their children to school. Many parents' anxiety regarding violence in school increased. It is quite possible that changes in zero tolerance policy will continue and will increase as a result of the Sandy Hook shootings, too.

Therefore, the students in Colorado were aware of the atmosphere of attitudes and policies with respect to firearms on school premises. The students were also aware of school shootings by students as represented in the media of the past and the present. Thus, I reiterate: those students who brought fake guns to school knew better than to do so. They were arrogant and foolish to think they could bring them to school for whatever reason and that they would not be caught with the firearms in their possession.

They were reckless to not consider the consequences of their actions, or disregard the consequences, or think that they were above/beyond federal statutes. If they face the full extent of the penalties, hopefully those students will find the positive aspects to their experience and help them focus on what in life matters most to them. If I were in the situation of adjudicating their expulsion hearings, I would likely pose the same questions and present the same information as in the preceding paragraphs.

I would make it clear, on the record that these students knew better, but brought the fake guns to school regardless. If I had the power to make the decision, I would expel those students. What does it look like if the students do not get expelled? It looks like all the concern for students and safety in schools, as well as issues of pervasive gun violence in American culture was all for show and insubstantial.

It makes it look like zero tolerance policies are just as fake as the guns those students brought to school. I would not enjoy handing down such a severe punishment, but children and adolescents really need to learn lessons in accountability and consequences. Generations of young people in America lack an adequate sense of accountability and consequences, generally. Some youths need harsher lessons than others in order to make it clear that there are consequences for actions and choices that people have to live with.

It is a part of the process of maturing and a part of adulthood. It is not usually pleasant; it is not usually so severe, but each person experiences a harsh, sharp reality of the consequences of their actions at least once in their lifetimes. While giving out the punishment, I would also offer these students words of support and encouragement. They are not necessarily bad kids or stupid kids; they are humans and they made a mistake.

I would try to offer some insight regarding the best ways to look at mistakes, even if the students were angry or upset at me for being the person who officially expels.