The news has been littered these days with stories of students being suspended or expelled for violating zero-tolerance policies.
In this age of escalating school violence, it’s natural to look for strong solutions that will protect children and bring us peace of mind.
But is it fair to expel a boy who brings a tiny toy soldier to school because the administration is unwilling to bend to particular rules?
Catch-all solutions could seem like the answer but in reality, zero-tolerance rules are taking over for wisdom and critical thinking.
Policies against weapons in school make sense but some argue zero-tolerance rules won’t stop someone committed to violence.
Should administrators enforce sweeping rules or attend to these infractions on a case-by-case basis?