Zero tolerance policies prohibit certain actions without exception. They are used in schools, businesses, and public spaces to address issues like bullying, gun possession, theft, and sexual harassment. While effective in some cases, they can be problematic as they leave no room for extenuating circumstances.
Zero tolerance means that certain actions will not be tolerated at all under any circumstances. It is typically used in reference to policies that specify exactly what actions are prohibited. For example, many schools have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bullying. Any word, threat or action that is interpreted as bullying will be severely punished. A bully can also be suspended or expelled depending on the intensity or frequency of the behavior.
Many schools also practice this kind of policy when it comes to guns. No student may bring weapons of any kind onto school property. This is for everyone’s protection. Harsh penalties are instituted to deal with violations of gun policies.
Zero tolerance policies are also sometimes included in business locations. Such an anti-theft policy, for example, means that anyone caught removing anything from the premises, down to a tiny paper clip, can be written down, suspended or fired. For many businesses, theft can include making long distance calls from company phone lines or surfing the Internet while on duty. Sexual harassment is another problem that is usually addressed with zero tolerance policies in schools, workplaces and even in the public arena.
Zero tolerance policies may be effective in some situations, but the problem with such policies is that they leave little or no room for extenuating circumstances. In the examples listed, it is difficult to imagine circumstances that would be rewarded with tolerance or leniency. However, sometimes laws that attempt to regulate social behavior can go a little too far. Of course, no one should be allowed to bully, threaten or sexually harass another person, or support terrorism, but too often words or deeds are exaggerated.
If a guy asks a girl out, it shouldn’t be considered harassment. If a child jokingly says, “My father can hit your father,” he shouldn’t be considered a threat. We certainly wouldn’t want a person who expresses dissent to be labeled a terrorist sympathizer because of zero tolerance policies.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
