The makers intent of Zero Tolerance is not completely known, as the application of it at local levels did was enacted with local school district discretion. With wording that provided for some discretion, violence consequences meted out were often extreme. The words Zero tolerance did not appear in the "Federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994". States were required to comply with the act in order to retain federal funds. Schools complied by removing any student who brings a firearm to school. School districts went well beyond the requirement of "immediate removal of students who bring a firearm to school (or other location controlled by a school) (Dunn, 2002; U.S. Department of Education). Mandatory one year suspensions occurred that were not part of the intent to keep schools safe. Students were being expelled for having nail files, key ring fobs, or other innocent items. Minneapolis schools have suspended more than 500 kindergartners over the past two school years for fighting, indecent exposure and "persistent lack of co-operation," among other offenses. Statewide, Minnesota schools have suspended nearly 4,000 kindergartners, first- and second- graders, most for fighting, disorderly conduct and the like (Toppo,2003). What seems to be emerging is that in schools with harsh discipline climates, students are more likely to engage in the very unwanted behaviors that zero tolerance type policies were intended to reduce.(Tosto, 2002).
Interpretation of the original intentions of zero tolerance polices were to eliminate the presence of carrying of lethal and dangerous weapons in schools. As the etiology of the issue indicates, it arose out of several concepts, such as zero tolerance for, drugs, violence and weapons. Part of intent of the original legislation was to make safer schools, and provide a better learning environment for students who wanted to be there. Further, these stringent rules would act as a deterrent for any student contemplating such and act.
Italicized words = Note - will not be included in paper COVER PAGE ABSTRACT NOTES Objectives (from Syllabus) Maybe we can use this for something: This paper will compare inpatient/residential and intensive out patient treatment programs, identify the characteristics of successful subs...
