The Pros And Cons Of Zero Tolerance Policies

The National Association of School Psychologists describes zero tolerance policies as school enforced polices that mandate harsh predetermined punishments; typically involving suspension or expulsion. These polices can be implemented for a wide variety of reasons, but were commonly regarded as a solution to school bullying. Critics and scientific researchers often advice against using these polices, which have been shown to have an adverse effect on students of urban backgrounds. Out-of-school suspensions are statistically proven to deter students from receiving a high school diploma; specifically among minority males. Students who do face suspension and expulsion due to zero tolerance policies are at-risk of being caught in the “school-to-prison pipeline”. The school-to-prison pipeline is a metaphor used to describe how harsh educational practices—such as zero tolerance polices—can contribute to how students facing harsh school-enforced punishments are more likely to enter criminal justice systems. Following the tragic events at Columbine High School, zero tolerance policies were widely supported by the public, and were expanded to encompass a wider range …show more content…
Still, policy makers have been too slow in adopting effective antibullying interventions. Many schools that do adopt these programs do so hesitantly, failing to properly implement these intervention programs and deeming them ineffective, even though the rooting of the program’s failure is due to factors such as lack of support and preparation (Ertesvåg, 2014). There needs to be more open-minded approaches, longitudinal studies, adaptive policies, parental involvement, and a greater availability of school psychologists. Research on early childhood education should have a greater sample size, and fear mongering that is disproportionate to the caliber of the threat of danger should not lead to overtly harsh antibullying polices that are detrimental to children’s