Some Schools Abandon Zero Tolerance Policies, Partly Because of Lawsuits

Some schools are abandoning zero-tolerance policies in favor of a more nuanced approach to discipline, and lawsuits are partly the reason.

Schools in several states are changing policies that have led to suspensions and expulsions for students who misbehaved or carried toy guns, acne pills and Advil to school, the Washington Post reports.

The change in thinking is spurred by high suspension rates, community pressure, lawsuits and research, the story says. Suspensions are linked to lower grades and increased risk of dropping out, while zero tolerance has not been shown to keep schools safer or to deter wrongdoing.

Some educators are looking for alternatives. One approach known as positive behavior support emphasizes prompting, practice and intervention, the story says.