Zero Tolerance Flexibility by FCHS

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Zero Tolerance Flexibility by FCHS By: Ron Bailey October 08, 2001 http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=2457027&BRD=1615&PAG=461&dept_id=387658 A cry heard around the country after the Columbine disaster and other school incidents of violence was for zero tolerance as it pertained to certain actions and offenses. Most school districts as well as government agencies responded to the cry with strong rules and zero exceptions.Federal statues were passed that impose a mandatory one-year suspension on students who bring a gun to school or on school grounds. Many school systems have extended that suspension to include students who bring other weapons, possess drugs of any kind or commit other types of violations.Franklin County appears to be moving toward a more flexible position. Franklin County High School Principal Joe Guess addressed zero tolerance by saying, "In past years if a student committed what we believed to be a zero tolerance offense we immediately took them before the Disciplinary Hearing Authority at the central office. The DHA would hear the positions of those involved, judge guilt or innocence and make the assignment. We no longer handle the issue that way. Now the principal has the authority to make that determination and the DHA is the appeals body if there are questions that remain in anyone's mind." Guess continued, "The principal of the school where the student is enrolled would have more information about that student and more knowledge of the student's history than an outside body. Many times this knowledge will allow the system to work better. This is the first year since zero tolerance was implemented that the principals have exercised this much authority in what might be a zero tolerance offense."The language of the policy has been adapted over time to be more specific and closely identify the issues that fall into the zero tolerance category. Definitions of weapons is more specific, drugs and drug items are more closely identified in order to prevent confusion as to what would be a zero tolerance offense.Franklin County has had a zero tolerance policy in effect for several years. The policy has been adjusted and revised during that time as situations and circumstances have changed. The current policy was revised last spring and is under constant review and study by administrators.Linda Foster, Director of Administrative Services and Human Resources for the Franklin County School System, explained the current policy of our system. Foster said, "The current zero tolerance rules cover three issues and only three. Those are firearms on school property, drugs on school property and assault on a school employee. Each case is looked at individually and the age of the child is certainly considered."Foster explained, "Regarding drugs, there is a difference in a kindergarten student bringing marijuana to school and if a high school student had it at school. The intent must be considered and the circumstances must be considered."The provisions of the policy are in accordance with state statues and carry the force of law. Administrators are required to notify parents and appropriate law enforcement authorities of any violations that may occur. Parents and students should both be aware of this policy and the results of a violation. The Franklin County School System is trying to keep common sense and flexibility as part of making decisions in very difficult circumstances."A lot of schools jumped on the band wagon of zero tolerance particularly after Columbine," according to Joanne McDaniel, of the Center for Preventing School Violence. "Schools wanted a policy that they could put before a school board very quickly and into a student manual, without stopping and thinking about how to do it well," McDaniel added. She continued, "It's not going to be a policy that makes a school safe. It's got to be the people who apply the policies and the programs." "We've gone too far in our zeal for safer schools," Pam Wiley, Executive Director of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) has stated, "I think we are seeing a move to more flexibility, not in allowing inappropriate behavior but in how it can be handled. Zero tolerance never meant that you couldn't use some sort of reason."Zero tolerance does not allow for any flexibility or for consideration of extenuating circumstances. Some instances perhaps should be that unforgiving, but many school officials, law enforcement professionals as well as parents are beginning to believe that there are others that may meet the general pattern of zero tolerance while screaming for some degree of flexibility by the administrators.