Zero tolerance policies dating back to the mid-1990s originally targeted issues such as drugs and guns. Over time, schools expanded the list of punishable offenses, creating further disciplinary problems. These policies in public schools impose punishments, in the form of expulsion or suspension, on students in response to certain rule violations. The goal of these policies is to promote the safety of all students and staff. If the rules are broken, students are punished without exception. I oppose the zero tolerance policy in public schools because of its lack of leniency and rationalization. I believe schools should modify consequences based on each individual situation. To support my thesis, I will discuss the problems, consequences and alternatives related to zero tolerance policies. Concerns: Why zero tolerance is unfair. The biggest problem with zero tolerance in schools is that these policies treat every individual equally, regardless of their age. , intentions, history of behaviors or specific needs. This is dangerous because children can be held responsible for crimes they had no intention of committing. Everyone is punished severely if they make a mistake, despite the fact that they may not have been at fault. For example, a victim of bullying may be given the same punishment as the bully while trying to fight back with an act of self-defense. Under a zero tolerance policy, both the bully and the victim will be punished because violence is not permissible according to school rules. This shows that there really is no tolerance for violence. Children are punished regardless of why they behaved a certain way. Another flaw of these policies is that they do not take age into account. In the past, students… at the center of the paper… with disabilities, children who may or may not understand why they were being punished. I support alternatives such as practices that promote topics such as cultural/racial sensitivity, the impact of drugs and alcohol, violence, and more. Awareness of these issues ensures that students know right from wrong. Involving parents in school activities along with the support of health experts is also a way to reduce bad behavior. Identifying why children misbehave and helping them solve their problems reduces the risk of the child misbehaving again. While the intention of zero tolerance policies is good, the stringent methods used are not only unfair, but also ineffective. Using other ways to address rule violations will create a safe and healthy school environment, making a child's learning experience a success.