Have No Tolerance Laws Gone Too Far?

There was a time, when school discipline meant a teacher or school principal paddled a child. Fear of a parent punishing a child in front of the class also served to keep students in line. Since spanking is out of vogue and even considered criminal in many cases, schools have resorted to detention and suspension to keep order in schools. These methods have done little to make students behave. Over time, schools have become violent and dangerous places.

To stem the flood of danger and violence, no-tolerance laws have become the way to discipline students. Break a rule that has the smallest potential of harming another child and you are faced with expulsion and even prosecution. Many would say that school discipline policies have gone too far.

When a 16-year-old high school senior is suspended for having a manicure set at school, no tolerance laws have gone too far. This kit purchased by her grandmother resembled a Swiss Army Knife and the school deemed it a weapon.

When students are no longer allowed to hug each other in school, no tolerance laws have gone too far. If you cannot put your arm around a classmate who has just lost a parent, you might as well stop feeling.

When minor forgetfulness gets a student Sunday Detention, no tolerance laws have definitely gone too far. Not having a pencil or a notebook for a class is not reason to humiliate a child.

I am not saying that no tolerance laws do not have their place. Since no tolerance laws have been instituted, schools that had rampant violence have experienced a great decrease in such incidents. New York City especially has made great strides (though incidents of date crimes have risen). An Arizona school is having great success in keeping athletes sober and drug free, thanks to no tolerance policies.