Zero tolerance

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This article is about the rule enforcement policy. For the videogame, see Zero Tolerance (game).

Zero Tolerance is a term used to describe a non-discretionary rules enforcement policy. Under a system of zero tolerance, persons in positions of authority – who might otherwise exercise their discretion in making subjective judgments regarding the severity of a given offense – are instead compelled to impose a pre-determined punishment.

Zero tolerance policies are common in schools in the United States in regard to students bringing weapons, drugs or other contraband items to school. Zero tolerance policies are also common in U.S. workplace environments, most often for sexual harassment or Internet misuse.

1 Controversy
2 Examples from public school
3 Reference
4 See also
5 External links

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Controversy

Supporters of zero tolerance policies claim that such policies are required to create an appropriate environment. They also point to examples of persons in authority providing lax discipline in the past, with a resulting breakdown in order (for example, in a school environment).

Critics of zero tolerance policies frequently refer to cases where minor offenses have resulted in severe punishments. Typical examples include the honor-roll student being expelled from school under a "no weapons" policy while in posession of nail clippers; or a distinguished longtime employee at a company who, despite an impeccable work record and compiling many honors, losing his job because he made a seemingly innocent remark to a female co-worker (e.g., "You look nice today").

A concise rebuttal often quoted is "Zero tolerance? Zero sense!"

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Examples from public school

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, a 6-year-old was suspended under the school's zero tolerance for drugs policy when the boy gave another student a cough drop.
In another Colorado case in Greeley, three boys faced expulsion under a zero tolerance for guns policy because they were seen playing with squirt guns.
In Lockeport, Nova Scotia, an 8 year-old boy was suspended from his elementary school for pointing a breaded chicken finger at a classmate and shouting "Bang!".
In another Nova Scotia case in Fall River, four junior high students were suspended for pushing each other into the snow on school property.
In Ontario, a 15 year-old was suspended because a police dog smelled marijuana in his jacket. None was found upon human inspection.
In Alabama, an honors high-school student was expelled just days before graduating for leaving a rifle, which he had used on a hunting trip, in the back of his truck.
In Florida, a high school student was suspended days before graduation for having a butter knife in her car. It was found there after she helped her grandmother move. She said she did not know that the knife was in the car, but she was barred from participating in the school's graduation ceremony.

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Reference

Skiba, Russell. Zero Tolerance, Zero Evidence: An Analysis of School Disciplinary Practice. Bloomington, IN: Indiana Education Policy Center, Indiana University, 2001.

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