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The Zero Tolerance Policy

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The term “Zero Tolerance” refers to those policies that deal out severe punishment for all offenses ranging from severe (such as weapon possession) to minor (defiance or chronic tardiness). In many cases, punishment for a violation under the policy is usually suspension or expulsion from school.

Zero Tolerance Policy was originally applied to the criminal justice system as an approach to enforcing drug laws. Due to overwhelming tide of violence, educators in the early 1900’s were seeking a solution to respond towards drugs, gangs and weapons. Later the policy has been implemented nationwide through the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994, which mandates a one-year expulsion for students who have been determined to have brought a firearm or any instrument

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