posted on Nov, 21 2007 @ 05:38 AM
I thought I'd share my little experience with the "Zero-Tolerance" Policy upheld in the education system.
During my Sophmore year of high school (2000), I was charged with making a bomb threat. The school's policy at that time was as follows:
Level 1 Infraction (least)
Level 2 Infraction
Level 3 Infraction (most)
Zero-Tolerance (maximum punishment)
Now, a bomb threat was listed specifically under a Level 3 Infraction, with called for 3-5 day suspension, parent conference, etc. However,
Terroristic Threatening was classified as Zero-Tolerance.
So I was charged with a Level 3 Infraction, but was punished to the maximum. The "maximum" was 5 days suspension and expulsion from school.
After my preliminary court hearing, we noticed this flaw in the rules. We brought it to the attention of the superintendent, who was completely
careless and couldn't have cared less. We actually filed suit against the school board because of the rules. Needless to say, the school has since
changed the rules....it was never taken to court, as they complied fairly quickly.
Without telling my whole story up to this point, just let me say what I did was in written form, and in a complete comedic manner. I never had any
intention of making a bomb threat, or any threat of that kind.
Sure, I should have known better, but it was meant as a joke...I admitted my mistake, and the school was well aware of my innocence. The whole
incident was handled haphazardly, at best.
Heck, the police were there and I was told that I could be detained, but the police have decided not to, as they didn't consider me a "danger".
Anyhow, I finish my school year at an alternative school, in which I didn't belong, since I wasn't a trouble-maker or druggie. All 4 teachers I had
there commented that I didn't belong!
Luckily, I got to go back to my original high school and finish my schooling as normal.