The Importance Of Zero-Tolerance In Schools

Society was built on the foundation of rules and laws for many centuries. The concept behind particular rules and regulations have been considered the reason why communities have been able to be kept in order. In every country, rules that are put in place are created for the good of society; however, not every rule and law established has made that nation better. For instance, in the United States, take into consideration the zero-tolerance policy, which was created to protect students across all schools in the United States; ridding it of issues that may affect the students from having a better education, such as drugs or weapons. However, the zero-tolerance policy has become ever so complicated as many years have gone by since its establishment.

Typically, we consider the problem to be with illicit drugs but not for drugs that are over the counter or even prescribed by doctors. Created with good intentions, the zero-tolerance policy law, was, in fact, was not entirely thought out which ultimately lead to it having adverse outcomes within our school systems. When we send our children to school, we want to make sure it is the safest environment for them to brighten their futures and expand their horizons. We do not want to send our children to a situation where they can face potential exposure to illegal substances or potential weapons, which is why the zero-tolerance policy was developed. It was primarily designed to make schools a drug free environment. It is important to note that

This increasing number has occurred because of the zero-tolerance policy creating an increased usage of more severe consequences, which has caused more referrals to be sent to the juvenile courts. As a result of this, the phrase school-to- prison has become a growing singularity. Students are being sent to court nowadays for minor infractions that are necessarily justifiable, especially for minority children. Due to this, I feel as though there is much room for collaboration to address student misconduct without imposing harsh penalties. For this to occur there needs to be better communication between schools, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and the juvenile justice system which would allow for several alternatives for youth to be created without having a negative impact on their lives. These alternatives can purely be based on a wraparound service approach in which services from each foundation can be integrated, merely allowing for resources to increase in the schools that can address the most challenging and detrimental behaviors within a child. Also, before a child is suspended there should be other alternatives as well. It is without question that schools will continue to use the method of suspension and expulsion to handle disruptive behaviors but those students, in my opinion, are more likely to have adverse outcomes and a