Is the Zero Tolerance Policy Too Tough On Students ?

It seems like educators and the government is beginning to rethink the zero tolerance policy for school children. Everyone has heard of the zero tolerance policy, which is  “a policy of punishing any infraction of a rule, regardless of accidental mistakes, ignorance, or extenuating circumstances”. The zero tolerance policy first came into play only to stop the trafficking of drugs, which were high on school campuses, but as time changes and incidents such as the Columbine school shooting it went to protect the school from any form of threat. But as time has pass, not only parents and educators think the zero tolerance policy is going to far but the Obama administration as well.

In states like Florida, known to be the 6^th largest district in the nation the administrators feels that the tough policies in schools are the reason that arrest records, low academic achievement and the high dropout rates are so high. These factors seeming to be the reason why minority students are not succeeding because of minor offenses is making permanent decision in their lives. In counties such as the Broward County it was noted that more students were arrested on school campuses than in any other state district for petty crimes such as possession of marijuana and spraying graffiti on school property.

We all believe these students need to be punished for their crimes, but we have not done anything to help these kids. The numbers are increasing, in the last two years the suspensions, expulsion and arrest for minor crimes have sky rocketed and more police have been appointed to schools. This doesn’t seem like we have tried to make matters better, it seem like the school district just prepared for more crime than change. But change does not seem to far, the Broward have joined up with other districts such as Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago and Denver to find a different solution and pull away from this tough approach on students.

Instead of pushing children out of schools when they break laws, the gathering school districts want to keep these children in school. Pushing them out is encouraging them to lead a life in the streets and as educators it should be the opposite. Schools should offer counseling, assistance, and programs to change them for the better. Give them an alternative lifestyle with programs supported by the state officials and police. Somebody needs to step up and show these kids love, and guidance. In only 2011, more than 1,000 kids were arrested in the Broward County, it opened up the eyes of officials who reached out the justice department and civil rights groups to de emphasize punishment and overhaul the disciplinary policies.

It is becoming a national trend for these students to fall behind because of minor incidents. These minor incidents prevent them from getting a job, joining the military or getting financial aid. It is a sad thing happening here, and that is why the Obama administration decided to step up with the Department of Justice and the Department of Education and encourage schools to think twice before arresting and pushing children out of schools. It is a political movement people want to see change, they want to see minorities grow and nothing holds them back and if that means spending extra time, than so be it.

Do you believe the zero tolerance policy was too hard on students?