HUNTSVILLE — The arguments underlying the reasons given for zero tolerance are based on the need to ensure safe places of learning.   There is strong evidence to support the need for addressing issues pertaining to student conduct in both private and public schools. 

Reports indicate that violence in Texas schools as well as those throughout the nation is a growing problem with which parents; teachers, school administrators and the general public must deal.  Reliable data indicate that gang and drug activities continue to escalate in Texas. 

According to a 1997 report by the Texas Attorney General’s office, the number of identified gang members in the largest cities in Texas increased from 35,000 members in 1995 to 47,000 members in 1997.  A survey by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA) revealed an increase in illicit drug use, especially marijuana use, since 1992. 

Of even greater concern are increases in total annual drug arrests for juveniles aged 17 and under.  The number of juveniles arrested for drugs more than doubled since 1985.  Over 9 percent of all secondary students surveys by TCADA reported they went to class drunk at least once during the previous year.

Although weapons continue to be found on school campuses, Texas Education Agency statistics show that 8,012 weapons, including 576 firearms, were confiscated from Texas students in 1997.  There has been a slight decrease since 1997. Assaults against teachers also are down from 6,238 in 1994-95 to 4,369 in 1997-98.  Given these statistics, few people, if any, would disagree with actions taken by school districts to protect the integrity and safety of the learning process.  Major policies have been put in place at the state and national levels. 

The U. S. Department of Education’s goals include: “All schools in America will be free of drugs and violence and unauthorized presence of firearms and alcohol, and will offer a disciplined environment that is conducive to learning.”  The 1995 Texas Legislature addressed school safety by revising security provisions of the Texas Education Code.



Prevention, Intervention, and Enforcement

A report by the State Comptroller’s Office provides some guidelines for developing and administering effective programs of safety and security.  Three essential elements are necessary in order to implement “Zero Tolerance” programs:        Prevention, intervention, and enforcement.  While few would argue against the employment of policies and procedures to address the safety issues and criminal behavior, there must be strict, sound guidelines and criteria to protect the integrity of the process.  Expelled students have limited options.  Writing about these limitations, Kelly Lecker, staff writer for the Toledo Blade (4-2-2001) described a situation in Michigan where school officials started proceedings that would lead to a student’s permanent expulsion from school. 

Under Michigan law, a student – once expelled – is not allowed to attend public school in the state.  There is no requirement for educators to provide alternative schooling for students who are expelled.  In the absence of such a requirement, many students sit at home or walk the streets while their parents work.  And some do not ever go back to school.  A 16-year old student was expelled permanently from the Whiteford school district in Ohio for chronic truancy and disruptive behavior.  He could not attend school in Michigan. These are truths.  What about the consequences?



From Lockout to Dropout

Student advocates argue that children who are out of school even for a semester are more likely to drop out and commit more crimes than other children.  Expelling students from school is the most serious disciplinary option available to school districts, according to the report, “Texas’ School-to-Prison:  School Expulsion – The Path from Lockout to Dropout.” 

The report further notes that when removal from school coincides with court involvement, the impact on young lives can be far-reaching.  The report is the second multi-year study in the Texas Appleseed’s series.   The “pipeline” refers to a disturbing pattern of school disciplinary problems escalating from suspension to removal from school, juvenile justice system involvement, and school dropout.  Numerous studies by national experts in the fields of education, says the report, criminal justice, and mental health have established a link between school discipline, school dropout rates and incarceration.  What is most disturbing is the revelation that this link holds true in Texas.  More than 80 percent of Texas adult prison inmates are school dropouts. 

A 2006 report from the Office of Civil Rights, U. S. Department of Education notes: “Texas educates an estimated 9 percent of the children in the U. S., but is responsible for an estimated 12 percent of the students expelled from the nation’s public schools.” 

Zero tolerance, when improperly administered by using unrealistic guidelines will continue to fill the pipeline from lockout to dropout.  The worst case scenario is when zero tolerance decisions induce “a rite of passage” to prison.  How do we develop common sense solutions to the challenges we face in providing a wholesome school environment in which our students will receive a quality education? 

The final article in this series – Part II – will examine the impact of “Zero Tolerance” on Texas students, particularly minority group students who are represented disproportionately in the school-to-prison pipeline.  It will also examine some common sense solutions.



Naomi W. Ledé is a retired Senior Research Scientist, Distinguished Professor and University Administrator.  She is Chair of the Board of the Samuel Walker Houston Museum and Cultural Center in Huntsville, Texas.