In 1994, in response to public fears of school violence, Congress passed the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Act. It required any school receiving federal funds to automatically expel any student who takes a gun to school. Some schools added theft, verbal abuse and sexual harassment. In 1997, the Florida Department of Education implemented a zero-tolerance policy for the state's 67 school districts. It does not allow administrators to consider the circumstances surrounding an incident, a student's previous disciplinary record or his or her contribution to the school.
Effective schools care about children.
They are firm and consistent with discipline, but the consequences need to make sense. Athanson says there are no gray areas when it comes to zero tolerance. The district prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages or being under the influence of alcohol on school property. Crystal and Mrs. Lockwood say the coach and other school officials told them there was no reason to worry. But fearing her daughter could still be in jeopardy, she immediately took her to a Bayfront Convenient Care Clinic on Seminole Boulevard.