Zero Tolerance Policies In Pushout By Monique W. Morris

Zero tolerance policies were originally meant to enforce that a school will not stand behind a particular thing not matter what, but some of the policies have become more of a way to get rid of people than to benefit others. In Pushout by Monique W. Morris, Morris discusses zero tolerance policies and their effect on African American girls in school. She wrote about a six year old girl who had a tantrum in class. This girl was handcuffed and then kicked out of school passed on the zero tolerance policy. This girl is six. Six year olds have tantrums. They are still learning how to deal with anger and other emotions. It is a normal occurrence. This girl was black and the teacher probably just was tired of dealing with her. Another reason the teacher might want the child out of the classroom is because of the stereotype that African American girls do not want to learn. Schools with a much bigger African American population feel the need to increase school security with metal detectors, security guards, and bag searches. This is because of the stereotypes of African Americans being from the “hood”. When treated like a criminal an individual is more likely to act like one. So why are schools …show more content…
These girls are first taught that they need to act at a higher standard. They are treated like adults from the minute they enter the world. The six year old having a tantrum is kicked out. She is only six, but seen as an adult in the eyes of others. These standards are not okay to put on these girls. They are children and should be treated as such. They are also being treated as criminals. I understand safety in schools is important put making a child feel like they are walking into a prison everyday, will effect them in the long run. Growing up in a school that thinks of you as a criminal makes one think of themselves that way or that they should be which leads to acting out and starting to participate in illegal