Discuss the pros and cons of zero-tolerance policies. Should they be utilized? Why or why not?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Some schools have adopted controversial measures such as zero-tolerance policies or school security procedures known as lockdowns.

Zero-Tolerance Policies Zero-tolerance policies mandating predetermined consequences or punishments, such as suspension or expulsion for specific offenses, have become a popular disciplinary choice. Critics of these policies caution school administrators to use them with discretion and common sense to avoid a net-widening effect.

Although proactive lockdowns may be effective in locating and securing weapons that might be used in incidents of school violence, they are employed very infrequently in very few schools. Zero-tolerance policies fall dangerously short in their effectiveness if students believe any prohibited items they bring to school will go unnoticed. In fact, many weapons are discovered only after they have been used in a violent episode. Metal detectors, again, are used relatively infrequently, especially in smaller schools and in smaller communities, despite statistics showing these jurisdictions also are vulnerable to fatal school violence.