Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Zero Tolerance: Is Zero Tolerance A Failed Policy?

Abstract

Although, the concept of zero tolerance could result in the expulsion of a student who brought a loaded gun or a pocket knife to school, there are students who continue to bring guns to school. In this case, how has the expulsion of one student serve as a deterrent to other students not to bring a loaded gun or knife to school? Several schools in the United States have adopted the zero tolerance policy in order to deal with juvenile delinquency at school. A positive attribute is that if a potential crime is detected in time could be prevented from occurring. However, if the crime is perfected, creates an absolute new scenario, and the child could be tried and sentenced as an adult. Suffice it to say, when dealing with behavior, it is unrealistic that referring a child to the juvenile court system for an unproductive or long sentence at a juvenile detention center will improve the behavior of that child. As a result of zero tolerance, many children have become lost and fallen deeper through the cracks of society. Some schools have relinquished the zero tolerance policy, while others continue to impose it upon children. Recreational and after school activities have proven to be effective. Nonetheless, this paper will be focusing on other measures that could indeed repeal an outdated zero tolerance policy in the 21st. century.