Do Zero Tolerance Laws Make Sense?
According to USA Today, students have been suspended or expelled for bringing Midol, Tylenol, Alka Seltzer, cough drops, Scope mouthwash, Certs, paper swords and paper guns, and for possessing rubber bands, Zero tolerance laws have been implemented in 39 states. And they have an admirable purpose. They make students, parents, the community and staff feel more secure. However, they have been attacked as inflexible, harsh and lacking in common sense. I support zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs and for bringing a weapon to school. Zero-tolerance policies started began in 1994 after Congress required states to adopt laws that guaranteed one-year expulsions for any student who brought a firearm to school. All 50 states adopted such laws, which were required to receive federal funding. But many legislatures went further, expanding the definition of a weapon and further limiting the discretion of school administrators. Some added zero-tolerance policies for alcohol, cigarettes, illegal dru
