ZERO TOLERANCE

　
Is Zero Tolerance Effective In Schools?

Zero tolerance imposes automatic punishment for infractions of a stated rule, with the intention of eliminating undesirable conduct. Zero-tolerance policies forbid persons in positions of authority from exercising discretion or changing punishments to fit the circumstances subjectively; they are required to impose a pre-determined punishment regardless of the individual, extenuating circumstances, or past history. Zero-tolerance policies have been adopted in schools and other education venues around the world. These policies are usually promoted as preventing drug abuse and violence in schools. In schools, common zero-tolerance policies concern possession or use of drugs or weapons.

Under zero tolerance school policies, there is a heightened risk of innocent students being punished for behavior that they did not exhibit, or behavior that is misinterpreted or misconstrued. Students with psychological disorders, such as attention deficit disorder, may act outwardly and rashly through no fault of their own. It is argued that these types of students need professional care and attention, rather than strict punishment.

The severity of zero tolerance punishments is greatly debated. Some supporters maintain that these punishments are very effective at preventing deviant behavior, and some opponents maintain that they harm a student's opportunities to improve or gain access to help. For example, suspending or expelling a student because of a drug infraction may remove the student from the school's support system, making him or her more likely to commit further drug infractions.

The safety of students is always the top priority of administration, teachers and parents, and because of this, some supporters say that removing deviant or dangerous students from the student body will prevent bad influences from reaching other students. Opponents say that student bodies aren't as affected by the influence of a few deviant individuals, and that the community as a whole can benefit from providing help and support for those who need it.

Zero tolerance policies are consistent, meaning that there are clear-cut and unarguable punishments for each specific behavior and infraction. This usually means that students are well aware of the consequences for their actions, and that they must be responsible for their decisions. However, some maintain that students sometimes lose control of themselves, and aren't always responsible for misbehaving or violating policies.

Most school administrators strive for firm, fair, and consistent discipline applied with good common sense. Students need consequences, but they must be appropriate to the context of the situation, the disciplinary and academic history of the student, age appropriateness, and related factors.