Zero ToleranceThinking back to my educational experience, the words "zero tolerance" vaguely strike a chord. If I'm not mistaken, I believe our district adopted a zero tolerance policy between my junior and senior year (96/97-97/98 respectfully) as a means to thwart bullying/violence among students. Looking back at my high school years, I don't remember violence being a regular occurrence, with the exception of your casual, "see you soon," argument, nor do I remember drugs being a big concern between parents and/or parents. or school staff. Maybe I was naive or maybe it turned out it just wasn't something to consider a problem. There is an exception to every rule; However, I trust that during my school career, violence, drug abuse, and drug distribution were not the norm… After the Columbine tragedy in 1999, “school systems across the nation introduced zero-tolerance policies aimed at limit harmful student behaviors” (Noll, 2014, p. 295). The original goal of the policies was to eliminate the use/carrying of weapons, but soon after, the restriction of drugs and medications became widespread (2014). By 2006, 95% of U.S. public schools had zero-tolerance policies in place, and more than half of them reported taking significant actions against students, many resulting in expulsion (2014). Although zero tolerance policies were originally welcomed by all members of a community as a means of promoting and maintaining a safer environment, in recent times many individuals are questioning the relevance of some actions and some school officials (2014 ). which has proven to be a policy aimed at creating a safer environment in our schools, communities now take part in what many… middle of paper societies… have also arrived at. It saddens me that violence and drugs are so widespread that the most innocent of acts – eating a gun-shaped tart – is considered criminal. I feel lucky to have grown up in simpler times when sneaking out and peeing on the neighbor was your parents' biggest worry and at the same time I'm sad about the things my children will have to face as our society continues to change. I pray that we find the gray area to serve all our students and children and restore the purpose behind the zero tolerance policy. References: Jensen, R. (2013). Nebraska school officials want boy called "Hunter" to change name. Retrieved from http://cup.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/courses/20141011465/resources/week5/Wk5%20Hunter%20Article.pdfNoll, J. W. (2014). Taking a Stand (17th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.