Restorative Justice And Zero Tolerance Policies Essay

Should Restorative Justice Policies Replace Zero Tolerance Policies? Restorative justice and zero tolerance policies both offer contradicting approaches to disciplinary actions within the school systems. While zero tolerance policies primarily focus on strict consequences for any violation of the rules and mandates in schools, restorative justice is based more on identifying the underlying causes of rule infractions, and working to better the relationships and repair the environment these take place in. The article "Just What Are Zero Tolerance Policies, and Are They Still Common in America's Schools?" explores the concept and prevalence of zero tolerance policies in American schools. F. Chris Curran, Assistant Professor of Public Policy

The piece highlights the negative consequences of zero tolerance policies, which often result in excessive punishments and disproportionately impact marginalized students. It states, "In schools with zero-tolerance policies, students have been suspended for bringing scissors to class or for throwing a paper airplane." The article emphasizes the need for alternatives such as restorative justice, which focuses on repairing harm and building relationships. It notes that restorative justice practices have shown promising results in reducing suspensions and expulsions, promoting a more inclusive and supportive school environment. The article also discusses concerns raised by critics who argue that restorative justice may not be suitable for all cases and that some offenses still require disciplinary action. However, it highlights the potential of restorative justice to address the root causes of misbehavior and reduce the amount of offenses repeated. By presenting these viewpoints, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the drawbacks of zero tolerance policies and the potential benefits of restorative justice in reforming school

"Just What Are Zero Tolerance Policies, and Are They Still Common in America's Schools?" highlights the potential benefits of zero tolerance policies in creating safer environments and ensuring consistent consequences for infractions, such as suspension from school for drug use or possession. However, it also acknowledges the concerns raised by critics regarding excessive punishments and the disproportionate impact on marginalized students. This contrasts with the article "Nine Criticisms of School Restorative Justice," which primarily focuses on the criticisms of restorative justice, such as perceived leniency and inconsistent implementation, as these allow for children to use the system and get out of serious disciplinary consequences for their actions. It also addresses the need for evidence regarding its effectiveness, as there have been few studies to prove this. On the other hand, the article "Reforming School Discipline" underscores the negative consequences of zero tolerance policies, including excessive punishments and their disproportionate impact on marginalized students. It emphasizes the potential of restorative justice to repair harm, build relationships, and foster a more inclusive and supportive school environment. While these articles