Opinion of zero tolerance policies in schools

[tik 🪀✨]

Terrible, and dumb in a uniquely American way. We have trouble seeing the forest for the trees. It's one of those policies that only serves to make everyone feel better without actually addressing the causes bad (or even simply different) behavior is a symptom of.

For example, I knew someone who once got his backpack searched. Inside, they discovered a knife. A paring knife. With no investigation by the school he was suspended for a month. Obviously this kid had brought a weapon to school and needed to be taught a lesson, mmhm. But, no, actually he had the knife because he was a little troubled and was cutting himself. He probably didn't even intend to bring it to school - why take the risk when your belongings are searched through often? So, yes, he was suspended, his grades suffered, he gained a poor reputation that followed him for years. Was the guidance counselor asked to speak with him? No. They didn't help him with his issues at all, they just punished him. So very dumb. So very American.