Policies that do not achieve their initial goals must be terminated. The Zero Tolerance Policy, which has been adopted by Ohio school systems, takes a strong stand against violent, disruptive, and inappropriate behaviors by offering a standardized punishment to all misbehaving students regardless of the severity of their behaviors. Often, students with minor offenses are suspended or expelled under The Zero Tolerance Policy. Undeserving students are receiving harsh disciplinary actions that fail to take into account their individual mental and developmental needs. 

      The Zero Tolerance Policy was created with hopes of maintaining a safe learning environment for students that is free from distractions.  To carry out this goal, the policy took a strong stand, strictly forbidding any behaviors deemed "violent," "disruptive," or "inappropriate."  The policy, however, fails to define what constitutes violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behaviors.  As a result, school districts have taken the liberty of defining these terms themselves, causing the policy to be carried out in an inconsistent manner. 

     While the original goals of The Zero Tolerance Policy are admirable, the policy is responsible for more harm than good.  The policy has not led to safer classrooms, and has only created additional barriers for disadvantaged students.  The policy chooses to reject students who misbehave, rather than review the causes of their behaviors.

      Ohio's students deserve better.  Ohio's students have the right to an education that understands their mental and developmental needs.  Student's should not be suspended or expelled due to minor instances that reflect a poor lapse in judgement. The Zero Tolerance Policy does not belong in Ohio schools.  The time to eliminate The Zero Tolerance Policy is now.