Before I share the link with you, let me explain where I’m coming from. I have a child with mental issues. I told the school going in that they were there, and they refused to provide services, an evaluation, or early intervention. As a result, due to their “zero tolerance” policy, my child was almost expelled from school for expressing his anger. At the age of 5. Unable to attend another district school. What I did in that case was fight tooth and nail for an IEP, which would then provide him protections under the disabilities act. It forced them to help my son rather than kick him out. And yet, another child tormented mine for YEARS. But he never did anything that came under the “zero tolerance” policy. The result of that? My son being institutionalized when he couldn’t take any more. Then one of the “patients” tried to kill my child by choking him to death. That was a fun middle of the night phone call.
You tell me, which was worse? What did the most damage? My son getting pissed off at his teacher at the age of 5 (when they still get naps in school for God’s sake) or my son being driven into a mental institution? We have had to fight long and hard for my son to have an atmosphere where they are helping my son instead of “managing” my son.
Think about your kids, what they do, what the consequences should be, and what they currently are. What is it going to do to their psyche in the long run? I am very far from the touchy-feely earth momma, terrified to allow their precious child’s “creativity” be stifled. We’re highly disciplined around here. We maintain serious control. Because of my kids’ issues, it provides safety and sanity for them. However – as “mean” as we are, we are able to understand the difference between play and violence, toys and firearms, playacting versus intent, and when they are just being kids.
This isn’t about politics. This is about my child. This is about how it effected my son. The long term issues have been such a struggle stemming back to that one day. And now? Will he be able to have his dreams? Since it wasn’t a criminal matter – even though the police got involved without ever talking to me – because he wasn’t charged with a crime, I can’t have his “record” sealed. Background checks will now show mental institutionalization. He has wanted for years to become a Marine like his dad. Will he ever be able to now?
Here’s the article: Zero Tolerance Policies: Are the Schools Becoming Police States?
It’s SO aggravating! Drives me absolutely crazy!
I truly hate these policies. The punishment for childish behavior is out of control. My heart breaks for kids like yours, and I’m scared for kids like mine. My boys are BOYS. They play with nerf guns. They probably have run around the school yard ‘shooting’ each other with their fingers. It’s what boys do. Protection and zero tolerance for the use of *actual* weapons is one thing. Kids being kids is another, entirely.