A subject of debate in the American educational system is “zero tolerance policies” that attempt to resolve disciplinary issues. This is by differentiating between contexts and assessing the strictness of infractions. This analysis will investigate the implications and effectiveness of zero-tolerance policies as depicted in the documentary Unraveling Zero-Tolerance. The documentary’s title is Treated Criminals: How the US School System Punishes Children and Teens ENDEVR Documentary. With the guidance of this film, one comes to a thorough analysis of the consequences of such a policy on students, schools, and society.
In the films, zero-tolerance policies lead to unnecessarily harsh disciplinary actions that invariably have ripple effects on the student population, most harshly affecting marginalized groups. In Unraveling Zero-Tolerance, the audience views instances of the students being given tough sanctions. For example, a police officer says that police officers should also develop relationships with the students (ENDEVR, 16:55). They should be able to determine what is prohibited by schools and the law. This way, they will know whether the crime reported to them is to be reported to the school or if the arrest is necessary. Furthermore, it includes suspension or expulsion for petty offenses, including the semi-hourly dress code or lateness. These policies then build up an environment in schools where students are detained like criminals instead of learners. It keeps the crime-and-punishment cycle in perpetuity without concentrating on the leading cause of behavioral issues.
Alternatively, zero-tolerance policies are essential to the “school-to-prison pipeline.” With their suspensions and expulsions, Zeros-tolerance policies are pushing students out of school to increase the chances of students getting involved in the criminal justice system. This is especially major for students of color and those from low-income communities (ENDEVR, 26:00). They comprise the most significant proportion of those impacted by such measures. Therefore, in consequence, such policies go against the purpose of helping students. They direct them towards the criminal justice system, thus strengthening the existing inequalities.
The films dramatize the unproductive nature of the zero-tolerance policies regarding producing a safe school climate and a learning-supportive environment. Zero-tolerance policies generally focus on remediation without solving the latent issues and providing necessary support (Endevr, 57:00). Thus, they penalize students severely, which is oppressive, separating students and devaluing learning experiences. It does not consider that a corrective approach cannot deal with social, emotional, and psychological factors beneath horrible behavior. This needs to be revised and results in the exclusion and disengagement of the students. However, initiatives like restorative justice programs, as in the film “Treated Like Criminals,” address school discipline issues differently but more constructively. Restorative justice is principles-based and central to repairing harm. Moreover, relationship-building, and accountability, as opposed to incarceration or retribution. Using engagement in dialogue and problem-solving processes, restorative justice promotes a feeling of community. It gives students the power to take responsibility for their actions. This may result in a positive change for individuals and communities.
In conclusion, zero-tolerance policies have signs of consequences for students, schools, and communities. This is evidenced in the film “Treated Like Criminals.” These policies only spread corrective approaches to discipline and write off students accused of misbehavior into prison via the school-to-prison pipeline. It fails to help students who present discipline issues address the issue. From then on, schools need to adopt alternative measures. Such measures include restorative justice to enable the learning environment to be more inclusive and supportive for all the students rather than just punishing them. This will help break the cycle and promote better outcomes.
Works Cited
ENDEVR. “Treated like Criminals: How the US School System Punishes Children and Teens | ENDEVR Documentary.” Www.youtube.com, 17 Nov. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIUqkVdWp5A&t=26s. Accessed 18 Feb. 2024.
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