Zero Tolerance Policy Is the policy of Zero Tolerance ethical in schools? EDL 6300 Ethics in School Leadership By - Tony Di Nolfo, Mike Dolan, Liz Gill, Amanda Grunauer, John Jones

What is Zero Tolerance A policy of punishing any infraction of a rule, regardless of accidental mistakes, ignorance, or extenuating circumstances. Zero-tolerance school policies are discipline procedures that impose harsh, pre- determined disciplines for certain offenses.

Why are school implementing zero tolerance policies? These actions are largely in response to the growing public concern aimed at addressing the perceived threat of increasing school violence.

Results of Zero Tolerance Policies Zero tolerance policies are removing students from the schoolhouses and placing them into the jailhouses where they are less likely to complete high school.

The Ethical Dilemma People who support zero-tolerance policies believe they promote safety in schools and give everyone involved more peace of mind. Those who oppose the policies believe they lack rationale and logic and are way too extreme for schools.

Prevalence of Zero Tolerance Policies and Practices According to data from the U.S. Department of Education and the Center for Safe and Responsive Schools, at least 75% of schools report having zero tolerance policies for such serious offenses as: firearms (94%) weapons other than firearms (91%) alcohol (87%) drugs (88%) violence (79%) tobacco (79%) Among disciplinary actions mandated by zero tolerance policies, suspension is most frequently used for an extensive range of common offenses, from attendance problems to disrespect and noncompliance. However, broad zero tolerance policies require that both minor and major disciplinary events be treated equally. A 1997 U.S. Department of Education study found that zero tolerance offenses frequently resulted in suspension or expulsion, including a) possession or use of a firearm (80%), b) possession or use of a weapon other than a firearm (78%), c) possession or distribution of alcohol, drugs or tobacco (80%) and d) physical fighting (81%).

It’s a Fork, It’s a Spoon, It’s a... Weapon? It's a Fork, It's a Spoon, It's a.... Weapon? 6 years old – Cub Scout Brought a utensil that consisted of all in one: Fork Spoon Knife School officials concluded that he had violated their zero-tolerance policy on weapons, and Zachary was suspended and now faces 45 days in the district’s reform school. Based on the code of conduct for the Christina School District, where Zachary is a first grader, school officials had no choice. They had to suspend him because, “regardless of possessor’s intent,” knives are banned. For Delaware, Zachary’s case is especially frustrating because last year state lawmakers tried to make disciplinary rules more flexible by giving local boards authority to, “on a case-by-case basis, modify the terms of the expulsion.” The law was introduced after a third-grade girl was expelled for a year because her grandmother had sent a birthday cake to school, along with a knife to cut it. The teacher called the principal — but not before using the knife to cut and serve the cake.

Zero Tolerance Cases Too Harsh or Not Enough Punishment? In Louisiana, a 12 year old diagnosed with a hyperactive disorder warned her peers not to eat all of the potatoes, or “‘I’m going to get you.”’ This simple statement led to a two day suspension, citing that the student had made “terroristic threats” towards others. In Texas, a 13 year old boy was required to write a scary story for a Halloween-based assignment. His story involved a character who shot students at a school. Consequently, the teenager was arrested and spent six days in jail before police confirmed that no crime was committed. In Florida, a 14 year old special needs student was referred to the police after the principal discovered that the child allegedly stole $2 from a classmate. The child was charged with “strong-armed robbery” and was held in an adult jail for six weeks. When a CBS “60 Minutes” news crew arrived to report this case, the charges pending were fortunately dropped.

Zero Tolerance Cases Too Harsh or Not Enough Punishment? A 5-year-old in California was expelled after he found a razor blade at his bus stop and carried it to school and gave it to his teacher. A 9-year-old in Ohio was suspended for having a 1” knife in a manicure kit. A 12-year-old in Rhode Island was suspended for bringing a toy gun to school. A 17-year-old in Chicago was arrested and subsequently expelled for shooting a paper clip with a rubber band.

Steps in Ethical Decision Making