The zero tolerance policy which is implemented in schools, in the United States focuses on punishing any mistake and error regardless of the intensity of the mistake. The error or mistake may be an accident, or result of ignorance, or an extenuating circumstance, the student would be punished for his act. This policy is aimed to eliminate the use of illicit drugs or weapons by students, staff, parents, or any other visitor within the school premises. People that are found using the banned items within the school boundary are punished as a result of strict implementation of the policy. According to me, the zero tolerance policy is appropriate for the implementation in schools as it provides a basis for a disciplined institution. Students spend a considerable amount of time in school; therefore, the school plays a vital role in forming their behavior, attitudes, and values. It also teaches students to conform to rules and regulations, and this helps them to be law-abiding citizens in the future. The punishment as a result of deviating from laws is a method to shape the individual behavior. When students see that breaking rules would result in punishments, they would be discouraged to break the discipline because of the fear of being punished.
The zero tolerance policy may be unfair and irrational in certain situations. It places immense pressures on students, their parents, and the school staff because not even a slight deviation from the rules in acceptable. For instance; in one case a deaf 3-year old boy was forced to change his name from “Hunter” because the sign for his name was similar to that of a weapon (Jensen, 2013). Furthermore, students have been expelled from school for carrying cough syrups or dental mouthwash. Students in this way are made to believe that even if they apologize for a minor mistake they do they would be severely punished. This does not only shatter their confidence, but it instills fear in their personalities. In my opinion, if a student is carrying medicine for instance for purely health reasons then they should not be punished. However, they must carry a doctor’s note or parents note that would justify them carrying medicine to school. Adding on, students should be given second chances. If a student is apologetic for his/her behavior then they should be forgiven. This would teach them to follow rules and regulations in a friendlier manner.
In the case of Johnny, had I been the teacher I would have first looked into the matter myself before reporting it to the principal. As Johnny was an obedient student who had never caused trouble in class, his act of getting the Leatherman OHT to school could be considered as an honest mistake. A sixth grade student may not have the intention to hurt someone else through the use of tools, and especially Johnny who was a friendly student. After investigating from Johnny directly, the principal could have been informed later as a formal duty of reporting any deviancy that happens in the school. I would have ensured Johnny’s parents were called to school, and warned of Johnny’s behavior. Zero tolerance policy is becoming an unpopular policy because of the widespread criticism of its stringent clauses (Public Interest Projects). People are protesting against this policy because it is causing more harm than benefit to students and their parents. Teachers also are not unaffected by this policy because there have been instances where teachers have been fired for carrying tools for the purpose of teaching students about safety methods.
The zero tolerance policy has been helpful in maintaining the decorum and discipline in the school amongst the students and staffs both. It has been effective in ensuring no deviant activity takes place in the school, and any wrong activity is immediately supported. With a moderate approach to the zero tolerance policy students, staff, and parents have all been satisfied with this policy. Students are given a second chance after their first mistake. If the behavior is carried out more than once then negative consequences are put into action by the school administration.
References
Jensen R. (Director). (2013). Nebrasa School Officials want boy named "Hunter" to change his name [Documentary]. United States of America: Cagle Cartoons.
The Time Is Right to End ‘Zero Tolerance’ in Schools. (n.d.). Public Interest Projects RSS. Retrieved March 29, 2014, from http://www.publicinterestprojects.org/featured/the-time-is-right-to-end-zero-tolerance-in-schools/
