This petition is to help stop No Tolerance of violence policys in school. These policys are harmful to many students, they set a bad example for children and consequences, they only hurt the victim aswell in many situations, and they can actually make the situation more violent. This petition is one that can change the future for many that have been affected and punished for defending themselves in their own right.

Many times, someone will get angry and decide violence is their best answer, they direct their violence at a person, possibly cornering them. The attacker hits the victim, and the victim has no choice but to retaliate in hopes of getting away. The victim hits them back and is then able to get away and seek help from a teacher or adult. Later they are both punished the same, a 3 day suspension as the education act of Ontario states, even though the victim did all they could to get away safely. The policy can also exasterbate the situation, as many students have the mentality that if they are going to get in trouble anyways, they might as well make sure the attacker never wants to fight them again, possibly deciding to hurt the attacker much more than needed to get away. This petition is to stop violence, help victims treated fairly and with more inspection into these altercations. Please sign this petition to help students be able to protect their right to defend themselves within reason.