Essay On Zero Tolerance
Zero Tolerance: More Harm than Good The punishment does not always fit the crime. Zero tolerance was initially defined as a policy that enforces automatic suspensions and expulsions in response to weapons, drugs, and violent acts in school. Today these policies have changed to include a range of less serious offenses such as violation of dress code, writing on the desk, and tardiness. Zero tolerance policies began as a way to protect children from potentially violent situations. Over the years, these policies designed to protect are now doing more harm than good. Children are being punished for simply being children. Zero tolerance policies need to be replaced because these harsh policies have resulted in an increasing number of suspensions,
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This is not necessarily true. When a child is punished without a fair hearing, it may give the child the impression that the judicial system is unfair. Ultimately, this may result in children mistrusting authority, which may negatively affect them in the future. There is a need for alternatives to zero tolerance policies and the punishments that accompany them. Zero Tolerance policies need to be replaced with fair and reasonable alternatives. “The need for less-punitive methods in the reduction of problem behaviors in schools and mandated intervention is catching momentum, with a growing number of advocacy organizations and membership associations calling for more effective and fair approaches to school discipline” (Teasley 133). Zero tolerance policies need to be replaced with reasonable punishments, counseling, and programs designed to help the students. One alternative that some schools are finding success with is restorative justice approach.
“Within the school context, restorative justice is broadly defined as an approach to discipline that engages all parties in a balanced practice that brings together all people impacted by an issue or behavior. It allows students, teachers, families, schools, and communities to resolve conflict, promote academic achievement, and address school safety” (Gonzalez
This is not necessarily true. When a child is punished without a fair hearing, it may give the child the impression that the judicial system is unfair. Ultimately, this may result in children mistrusting authority, which may negatively affect them in the future. There is a need for alternatives to zero tolerance policies and the punishments that accompany them. Zero Tolerance policies need to be replaced with fair and reasonable alternatives. “The need for less-punitive methods in the reduction of problem behaviors in schools and mandated intervention is catching momentum, with a growing number of advocacy organizations and membership associations calling for more effective and fair approaches to school discipline” (Teasley 133). Zero tolerance policies need to be replaced with reasonable punishments, counseling, and programs designed to help the students. One alternative that some schools are finding success with is restorative justice approach.
“Within the school context, restorative justice is broadly defined as an approach to discipline that engages all parties in a balanced practice that brings together all people impacted by an issue or behavior. It allows students, teachers, families, schools, and communities to resolve conflict, promote academic achievement, and address school safety” (Gonzalez