Comments on: An exception to Zero Tolerance? http://askthejudge.info/an-exception-to-zero-tolerance/167/ Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:18:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: Willie http://askthejudge.info/an-exception-to-zero-tolerance/167/#comment-300 Willie Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:58:38 +0000 http://askthejudge.info/an-exception-to-zero-tolerance/167/#comment-300 This incident is another in a litany of "zero tolerance" extreme absolutisms. Whenever "zero tolerance" steps in front of common sense an unnecessary victimization occurs. I understand the need for rules to maintain order and safety, but as mentioned earlier, no rule can be written to address a multitude of possible situations. This is where "leaders" (people appointed to authority positions) earn their keep, by using prudent discretion. Bottom Line: School boards need to develop policies which establish clear guidance on general issues, but allow principals to determine an appropriate consequences for each incident. Due process is available, if deemed necessary. This incident is another in a litany of “zero tolerance” extreme absolutisms. Whenever “zero tolerance” steps in front of common sense an unnecessary victimization occurs.

I understand the need for rules to maintain order and safety, but as mentioned earlier, no rule can be written to address a multitude of possible situations. This is where “leaders” (people appointed to authority positions) earn their keep, by using prudent discretion.

Bottom Line: School boards need to develop policies which establish clear guidance on general issues, but allow principals to determine an appropriate consequences for each incident. Due process is available, if deemed necessary.

]]> By: admin http://askthejudge.info/an-exception-to-zero-tolerance/167/#comment-226 admin Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:46:41 +0000 http://askthejudge.info/an-exception-to-zero-tolerance/167/#comment-226 Good point, Jake, but then the question becomes where do you draw the line? Wouldn't this virtually do away with 'zero' tolerance? Good point, Jake, but then the question becomes where do you draw the line? Wouldn’t this virtually do away with ‘zero’ tolerance?

]]> By: Jake http://askthejudge.info/an-exception-to-zero-tolerance/167/#comment-205 Jake Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:50:28 +0000 http://askthejudge.info/an-exception-to-zero-tolerance/167/#comment-205 Absolutely there should be exceptions. Laws are great but they can't cover every possible situation. There needs to be case by case interpretation of the law. Slapping this girl with a suspension does not serve justice if she can show a reason for having them in her car. Absolutely there should be exceptions. Laws are great but they can’t cover every possible situation. There needs to be case by case interpretation of the law. Slapping this girl with a suspension does not serve justice if she can show a reason for having them in her car.

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