Premium Essay

School Law

In:

Submitted By tbaker23
Words 2331
Pages 10
| Zero Tolerance for Ineffective Zero Tolerance Policies | Can Zero Tolerance be Tolerated? | | Terrance Baker | LAWS310 | 12/14/2009 |

Students are being handcuffed, arrested and expelled for possession of a butter knife or water gun, punishment that disproportionately targets African-American students, students being alienated and never returning to school after being suspended or expelled are all byproducts of the zero tolerance policies adopted by their school district. School administrators have abandoned common sense due to their adherence to zero tolerance policies by applying the same discipline to students that are guilty of minor offenses and non-violent rules violations, or just poor judgment as they due to students that are repeat offenders that pose serious threats to the safety of the school. Under the Zero Tolerance policies African-American students are suspended at an approximate rate of 2.3 times that of Caucasian students nationally even when socio-economic factors are taken into consideration. These one-size fits all policies are also contributing to the elevated dropout rates related to repeated use of suspension and expulsion. The illusion that zero tolerance policies are making our schools safer has blinded school administrators to the fact that these draconian policies are contributing to the education problem in America. |
Abstract

.

The Zero Tolerance policies that have been implemented in public school systems has eliminated common sense in determining disciplinary action, are racially biased, and are contributing to the growing population of high school dropouts. Strict adherence to so called Zero Tolerance policies has resulted in students being handcuffed, arrested and expelled from schools across the country for ridiculous offenses such as possession of a butter knife that their mother mistakenly placed in

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Law School Personal Statement

...For as long as I can remember, I've never been complacent with the knowledge I possess. Constantly setting new goals that will stretch my mind into something that it was not the day before and allowing every experience to shape me, while never loosing a handle on my own personal convictions and what I have learned along the way, has always been a way of life for me. For me, pursuing a legal education is not a terminal accomplishment, nor will obtaining a legal degree quench this ongoing thirst for knowledge that I have always had; I don't want it to. I constantly need to be in pursuit of challenging goals that that require considerable mind expansion and personal reflection. The experiences and knowledge that I will acquire in attending law school will stretch my mind to think in ways that I never have, allowing me to face future intellectual, professional, and academic goals with confidence and enthusiasm. Mid way through my senior year, the University of Arizona choose me to be their undergraduate representative at the "Arizona First" town hall meeting, a three day, bipartisan conference focus on shaping legislation that will bring economic growth and prosperity to AZ. During this three day conference I worked closely with Arizona state representatives and senators, the majority of whom where lawyers, in proposing new legislation with the potential of bringing new job opportunities, more commerce, and an overall better standard of living to the state. It was one of the first...

Words: 1128 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

School Law

...question whether or not the bullying laws actually protected the recipient of the bullying, or if they were put in place to not hold schools or districts responsible for the suffering these children went through. In my research I have found there is no federal law that addresses bullying directly. However, schools have an obligation to resolve the harassment, majority of bullying concerns aren’t adequately resolved. Sometimes the bullying escalates after the bully is reprimanded for their actions. When families feel the issue hasn’t been resolved and/or the bullying has worsened, they are able to file a lawsuit against the school or school district. Although there aren’t any federal laws against bullying, there are instances in which bullying overlaps with discrimination which are covered under federal civil rights laws. These laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Justice. Whether it the harassment is referred to as bullying, hazing, or teasing, schools are obligated to provide a safe learning environment for all students. This is to be done regardless of race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. When schools fail to address the harassment appropriately, they are violating the civil rights that are enforced by the Department of Education and Department of Justice. Based in the cases that I’ve studied, as long as the school has investigated and documented the harassment, the school is often not held liable for a student’s...

Words: 2524 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Law School

...DIGEST OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, S.2(g) - Inquiry - “Every inquiry, other than a trial, conducted under this Code by a magistrate or court” refers to the pre trial inquiry. (Pritish Vs State of Maharashtra) 2002(2) Criminal Court Cases 174 (S.C.) Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, S.2(g) - Inquiry - Trial - Inquiry is defined by section 2 (g) as 'every inquiry, other than a trial' - Trial not defined - Trial is clearly distinguishable from inquiry - Trial is distinct from inquiry and inquiry must always be a forerunner to the trial. (Moly & Anr. Vs. State of Kerala ) 2004(2) Criminal Court Cases 514 (S.C.) Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, S.2(g) - Trial and enquiry - Distinction - Trial is distinct from inquiry and inquiry must always be a forerunner to the trial. (Vidyadharan Vs State of Kerala) 2004(1) Criminal Court Cases 516 (S.C.) Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, S.2(h) - “Investigation” - It includes all the proceedings under the Code for the collection of evidence conducted by a police officer or by any person (other than a Magistrate) who is authorised by a Magistrate in this behalf - It ends with the formation of the opinion as to whether on the material collected, there is a case to place the accused before a Magistrate for trial and if so, taking the necessary steps for the same by filing of a charge-sheet under Section 173 Cr.P.C. (Union of India Vs Prakash P.Hinduja & Anr.) 2003(2) Apex Court Judgments 205 (S.C.) Criminal...

Words: 1257 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

School Law

...chicago Student: | Jill Stovercrf_stoverjr@cuchicago.edu18580 Cunningham Arbela Rd Richwood, Ohio 43344 | Day Telephone: | (740) 361-4361 | Evening Telephone: | (740) 361-4361 | | | Assignment Title: | Assignment #5 | Date of Submission: | 8/24/14 | Assignment Due Date: | 8/24/14 | | | Course: | EDL 6231: School Law | | | Semester/Term: | Summer | Course Instructor: | Dr. A. Donald Hendricks | | | Certification of Authorship: I certify that I am the author of this paper and that any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledged and disclosed in the paper. I also have cited any sources from which I used data, ideas, or words, either quoted directly or paraphrased. I certify that this paper was prepared by me specifically for the purpose of this assignment, as directed. Student’s Signature: Jill Stover Module #5 Student Searches EDL 6231: School Law The topic chosen for this project is student searches in schools. As the dean of students this past spring, this topic came up multiple times because of suspicions or reports from parents and students of drug use. We arranged for the K-9 unit at our school two different times this past spring. One time was for a search of bags that belonged to students who were packed and ready to go on an overnight trip with our Vo-ag student group. There were rumors and suspicions that drugs were coming with the students in their bags, so to make sure it did not the K-9 unit came in to search...

Words: 2261 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Reflection: Thomas Jefferson School Of Law School

...Thomas Jefferson School of law. It was an exciting and rewarding opportunity for me. However, during my time in law school I encountered some life situations that affected my ability to put my full focus in school which resulted in me being distracted from my course work. Instead of asking for help, I kept things to myself as I had done for so long, and unfortunately I was not able to succeed alone, which then lead to an unfortunate academic issue which resulted in me being academically dismissed at the end of my first year. However, there was a positive outcome to my dismissal. This was the type of wakeup call I needed. The dismissal caused me to thoroughly reevaluate my life goals. Is law school still what I want, and if it is, what will be different the next time around to ensure that I won’t be placed into a repeat situation. I have had the opportunity to reevaluate...

Words: 471 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Pre Law School Case Study

...In the next five years I plan to graduate with a bachelors in pre-law from Michigan State University (MSU) going into the University of Michigan Law School. The other two alternatives would be graduating with a bachelors in premedical from MSU going into University of Michigan's Medical School; the other one would be graduating with a bachelors in pre vet from MSU and go into Veterinary school at MSU. The monetary and opportunity cost of becoming a lawyer will cost me $98,168 for attending at MSU for 4 years to get my pre law, then after it will cost me $170,532 to attend 3 years of Law School at the University of Michigan; overall the monetary and opportunity cost will be $268,700, along with an additional 3 years of school and 268,700 in...

Words: 363 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Future Cost Of Law School Essay

...While in law school, law students complete required courses, and elective courses to prepare them for their future practices. One is only considered a lawyer once they earn their juris doctor degree, and in order to do so, they must complete at least three years of law school (Jackson). In some cases, students can attend law school for longer, but with the high cost of law school, it would be irrational, since the curriculum is designed to take three years. In their first year, law students are enrolled in required courses about general subject matter necessary to practice law, like “contracts, torts, civil procedure, constitutional law, criminal law, and legal research” (Echaore-McDavid and McDavid). This provides an introduction to the legal industry for prospective lawyers, and prepares law students for the courses...

Words: 567 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Concord Law School Essay One

...Criminal Law Essay One -Concord Law School Issue What is Hal’s potential criminal homicide liability for the death of Norm? What is his homicide liability for the death of Wanda? Rule Common Law intentional homicide may be reduced from murder to voluntary manslaughter if all the elements are met: 1. the killing was a result of a sudden heat of passion 2. In the same situation a reasonable person would have also been provoked and also would have lost self-control. 3. There was no cooling off period between the provoked anger and the homicide of the first or second victim Model Penal Code lessens murder to manslaughter if the murder is committed during an extreme mental or extreme emotional disturbance. Under the Model Penal Code there are two elements that need to be proven: 1. that the defendant was under an extreme emotional disturbance. 2. That there was a reasonable explanation or excuse for the extreme emotional disturbance. Analysis When Hal decided to come home early and bring his wife flowers he was already in an emotional and easily excitable mood. Then when he pulled up to the house he looked into the office window before he entered the house where he saw his wife in an embrace with the neighbor Norm. This evidence being right before his eyes made him believe they were sex partners and this put him into a rage where he went to the garage to get his gun and bullets with the intention of doing bodily injury maybe even killing Norm and possibly Ronda. In...

Words: 537 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Loyola Law School Application Essay

...colors to choose from. Halfway through the semester I decided to go to a career specialist. I figured I needed help from someone other than my mother. He recommended a few diagnostic tests that suggested I either be a clinical engineer or a sociologist. These tests may be a bit off. He kept asking what I am good at and what I like; but these words have never rang so hallow. However, since everything I read also seems to fixate on my passion I may want to truly focus on locating mine. What am I good at, and what do I like? Well, I like philosophy. I recognized this while blankly staring at my career advisor. I realized I have always liked philosophy. Though, it is not my discovery of philosophy that makes me a worthy addition to Loyola Law school, it is what philosophy has taught me....

Words: 940 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Edu 555 School Vouchers and the Law

...The Law and School Vouchers July 24, 2013 Grand Canyon University: EDA 555 The Law and School Vouchers School choice is a very controversial topic and aggressively disputed today. There are various types of choices which provide many educational opportunities. Can parents afford it? School vouchers are only one choice in this divisive topic. No matter which side of the issue regarding vouchers you agree with, people are very passionate about it. Texas has been trying for years to pass it in Congress; however, it has not passed. There are many pros and cons regarding this topic. First of all, there are many choices for parents today to provide educational opportunities for their children according Chen (2011). There are the public schools. These are schools which require no tuition and the students are zoned to that particular school in their district. Charter schools are another option. They are free, public schools established independently. They are not subject to the same state and federal requirements, but they are held to a high accountability. Parents can request this option. Magnet schools are also free, public schools. They have a specific focus such as science or art. In order to qualify to attend this school, the student may have to take a test and have satisfactory behavior. Another type of school is the virtual school. This is distance learning and learning at your own pace. It has strict government and district...

Words: 1790 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Discovering the Relationship Between the Law and My School

...Discovering the Relationship Between the Law and My School Grand Canyon University EDA-555 August 8, 2012 Sitting down to chat with any lawyer proves to be a difficult task unless of course you are paying them. This was the case when attempting to complete this assignment as well, as our school lawyer represents several schools in the area and he was busy working with another school. Instead the questions were asked of our school principal, and our school superintendent over lunch during an in-service day. The answers given were very open and direct, and valuable insight was gained from the view of the writer. The Sidney Community School District is located in Fremont County in Southwestern Iowa. The federal district court for the community of Sidney is located in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The federal circuit court of appeals for the Sidney School system is in Des Moines, Iowa. It was drilled into every 9th grade civics students’ brain that federal law trumps state laws in times of conflict. The founders of this great nation created a set of uniform laws that help hold the country together as one nation. When federal law supersedes state law it is known as preemption. In most cases heard judges have always applied preemption in times of conflict in laws created by the state against laws created by the nation. The administrative team echoed the lessons taught in civics class, federal almost always trumps state law. In the last twenty years society has become much...

Words: 1158 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Discovering a Relation Between the Law and Your School

...Discovering the Relationship Between the Law and Your School Marchelle Smith SPE-350 Special Education Litigation and Law November 2, 2013 Discovering the Relationship Between the Law and Your School The legal ramifications of special education started in the late 1960’s that was derived from the discrimination and segregation of children who had disabilities and handicaps. Learning how special education has changed over the last century and decade has been very specific. Special education children were not educated in the early 1900’s, they were just locked away or kept at home because some thought they were not able to be educated. The acts and laws that have been enacted to give children with special education a chance to live a normal life has really changed the way we view education for these children today. When Congress adopted the Education for All Handicapped Children Act' (EAHCA) in 1975 and mandated the education of all children with disabilities, a key supporter of the bill noted that "[n]o one really knows what a learning disability is (Colker, 2012). When the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975 passed it began to fund states to educate special needs students in regular schools, but in separate classrooms. The courts and laws have changed to included special needs children in the public education in the LE (least restrictive) setting. In all that I have learned and in talking with the Bonnie Walston the Director of Special Education in my...

Words: 1782 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Addendum 1: Gpa's Predictability Of Success In Law School

...Addendum 1 – GPA Trend I don’t know how much emphasis will be placed on my undergrad GPA’s predictability of success in law school since I graduated five years ago. Even so, I will address my undergraduate’s grade trend. My overall grade performance dropped beginning in my sophomore year in college. This drop correlates with me becoming commissions-based sales associates at Verizon Wireless. Due to my family’s financial need, I started working for Verizon in December of 2006. The training and probationary period ended on March 30, 2007, which meant that as of April 1, 2007, I became responsible for meeting a sales quota. Beginning on April 1, I worked 8 to 10 hours a day, five days week. I attended classes on the days off from work, Mondays...

Words: 374 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Case Summary: Street Law High School

...Andrew Madison attends Street Law High School (SLHS). He was caught on school property by a police; he was smoking and had a weapon that was supposedly used to give Officer Bates and him a cut. Officer Bates has now charged him with assaulting an officer, assault and battery, and disorderly conduct. These are violations of DJ Codes. Andrew Madison is not guilty for these charges, because he did not do anything that was not protected by the amendments. On Wednesday, November 27, 2002, SLHS had minimum day for the approaching Thanksgiving holiday. Many students of SLHS were hanging around the building of the school and surrounding sidewalks, due to the pageant held. A few officers were patrolling their area in their car, when they noticed Andrew Madison and James/Jamie Lincoln close to SLHS on the corner of Equality Street and Hope Avenue, snacking on chips, talking loudly with each other, and Andrew was smoking cigarettes. Two officers, Officer Bates and Major came back and realized they were having a very loud conversation with a group of kids, so they suspiciously approached them. The officers asked their...

Words: 1014 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

School Law and Policy Issues

...Karissa Ramirez School Law and Policy Issues Professor Criscione Table of Contents Introduction Student free speech Teacher free expression Freedom of Expression Rights: The Tinker Standard The Fraser standard The Hazelwood standard Faculty free speech Conclusion Introduction Free speech in public schools is important because it allows students and teachers to speak their minds on school grounds, wear jewelry or buttons, wear t-shirts with messages or color their hair a certain way. However, with the protection of the First Amendment that is guaranteed by the United States Constitution, it is sometimes not enough for students and teachers since there are limits to their speech or expression. It is evident that there are issues that have impacted free speech in public schools such as student and teacher free expression, freedom of expression under the First Amendment including the Tinker, Frazer and Hazelwood standard, and faculty free speech; in dealing with these cases it has helped shape future decisions of public school officials. Student Free Speech Student free speech rights have advanced since the twentieth century because previously students had no First Amendment rights. On the other hand, sometimes student’s rights are reduced or eliminated in certain situations. The Supreme Court has also maintained that the First Amendment rights of minors can be restrained in regards to school safety. School officials are also allowed to prevent, “student expression that presents...

Words: 1856 - Pages: 8