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Zero tolerance

 

Most of the criticism is directed at the districts with the most rigid policies (Cauchon 24). .
             "Zero tolerance" for weapons has become the standard procedure in our schools (Stolinsky). Ninety-one percent of public schools have adopted zero-tolerance policies for bringing a weapon to school (Cauchon 23). But, most of the time students are suspended for ridiculous and absurd reasons. For example, a young child was suspended for bringing a toy soldier holding a tiny plastic gun, to school. In response to a "women in history program", a girl wanted to come as sharp shooter Annie Oakley ( Stolinsky). The teacher told her toy guns were forbidden (Stolinsky). Her parents suggested a broom, but this too was forbidden (Stolinsky). In another case, two five-year-olds were suspended for playing cops-and-robbers while simulating guns with their fingers (Stolinsky) In addition many students have been expelled for Halloween costumes that included paper swords and fake spiked knuckles, as well as for possessing rubber bands, slingshots and toy guns (Cauchon 24). .
             Supporters of the policies that expel students for every offense say that the policy may be painful but is needed to send a clear message that drugs and weapons have no place in school. However, it is far from absurd for a young girl to bring painkillers with her to school for menstrual cramps, or for a student with a sore throat to eat cough drops. And "heaven forbid" a student who brings a broom to school for a class project. The truth is that most anything can be made into a weapon. Pens and pencils can be used to stab someone, but schools cannot make them illegal. There would be no way for a student to write. Some students like to buy markers that have scents. Should they be expelled for sniffing markers? Both protractors and scissors can make efficient stabbing tools. The list could go on and on. .
             Surprisingly most of the nation's leading advocates of zero-tolerance policies consider themselves among those worried by the excesses (Cauchon 24).


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