Zero Tolerance (ZT) Policy Analysis: A Look at 20 Years of School-Based ZT Policies in Practice

• In Event: 47.054 - Analyzing Equity and Equality in School Safety and Discipline

Abstract

Zero tolerance policies are applied uniformly and help deter “bad behavior.” Break the rule, pay the consequences; there are no exceptions. Yet, there are instances in which a violation is not severe enough to merit suspension or expulsion. Clearly, the infusion of some common sense can go a long way in making schools safe while keeping parents and students satisfied. Discipline, order, and safety are critical in the school environment; however, the best way to create that environment is not always clear. This lack of clarity has resulted in a myriad of inconsistencies in the formulation (language), implementation (execution), and application (dissemination) of ZT policy and law. What ensues is an analysis of the 20-year manifestation of school-based ZT policies.

Authors

• Natasha N. Johnson, Georgia State University

• Thaddeus L. Johnson, Georgia State University