“Zero Tolerance” policies are out of control

[huntrights]

See page 2 of this thread for a continuation of examples. 
This is a real issue happening now folks!
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,147689.25.html


Example to immediately illustrate the issue:

Philadelphia, PA - January 2013

Mom Says School Went Too Far Punishing Child For 'Paper Gun'
Watch the video.
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/20653505/mom-says-south-philly-school-went-too-far-punishing-child-for-paper-airplane



“Zero Tolerance” policies are out of control

This post is continually updated as new information is discovered.

Contact your legislators about this growing national abuse of "Zero Tolerance" policies that defy rational common sense.

People need to wake up to the intimidation and traumatizing of children via the abuses of "Zero Tolerance" policies in our schools.  The list of examples is growing.  People with anti-gun agendas, ideologies, paranoia, and irrational reactions regarding anything related to guns or arrows appear to be taking advantage of these policies.  This may be why some states are proposing laws to prevent these types of "Zero Tolerance" abuses on our children.

Children may fall victim to this type of “Zero Tolerance” abuse if they do something that falls into one of these categories (to name a few):

1)   Brandishing a pastry or other food which is partially consumed in such a way that the remnant resembles a gun;
2)   Possession of a toy gun which is two inches or less;
3)   Possession of a toy gun made of plastic snap together building blocks;
4)   Using a finger or hand to simulate a gun;
5)   Vocalizing imaginary firearms or munitions;
6)   Wearing a T-shirt that supports Second Amendment rights;
7)   Drawing a picture of, or possessing an image of, a firearm; or
8.)   Using a pencil, pen or other writing utensil to simulate a firearm.

When are we going to demand that our children NOT be subjected to these obvious abuses of “Zero Tolerance” policies?  These are abuses that appear to support anti-gun agendas and/or the school’s administration or staff’s personal ideologies.

ALL freedom loving Americans should be extremely concerned about these abuses of misdirected and misapplied policy.

The situation has become so dire that legislation is necessary to stop it.  We should consider similar legislation in Washington.


Proposed legislation:


Florida - 2014

'Pop-Tart' gun bill would protect children from zero tolerance
http://www.gopusa.com/news/2014/02/14/pop-tart-gun-bill-would-protect-children-from-zero-tolerance/

Related link:
An act relating to the code of student conduct
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Documents/loaddoc.aspx?FileName=_h7029__.docx&DocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=7029&Session=2014

Related link:
Panel Passes ‘Common Sense’ Tweak To School Gun Policies
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2014/02/05/panel-passes-common-sense-tweak-to-school-gun-policies/

Related link:
Urgent Florida Alert! Zero Tolerance Shouldn't Mean Zero Common Sense
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2014/2/urgent-florida-alert!-zero-tolerance-shouldnt-mean-zero-common-sense.aspx

Related link:
Pop-Tart school-gun bill clears first hurdle in Florida
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/02/06/pop-tart-gun-bill/5254629/

Related Link - update (6-20-14):
“Gov. Scott signs 'Pop-Tart' bill meant to curb student suspensions”
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/school-zone/os-gov-scott-pop-tart-bill,0,1750345.post



Oklahoma - 2014

Oklahoma bill would ease school policies on imaginary, toy guns
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/10/oklahoma-bill-would-ease-school-policies-on-toy-guns/

Related link:
An Act relating to schools; creating the Common Sense Zero Tolerance Act
http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2013-14%20INT/hB/HB2351%20INT.PDF

Related link:
Proposed 'Common Sense' Zero Tolerance Act Draws Concerns
http://www.news9.com/story/24410685/common-sense-zero-tolerance-act


Texas - 2013

Texas Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Strip Funding From Schools That Abuse Zero Tolerance Weapons Policies
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130715/09261623802/texas-lawmaker-proposes-bill-to-strip-funding-schools-that-abuse-zero-tolerance-weapons-policies.shtml


Georgia - 2013

Lawmakers rethinking zero tolerance weapons policy in Ga. schools
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/23769934/lawmakers-consider-legalizing-knives-at-schools#axzz2tbeWiZ56


Ohio - 2014

Ohio Democrat Proposes Repeal of School “Zero-Tolerance” Policies
http://mediatrackers.org/ohio/2013/09/23/ohio-democrat-proposes-repeal-school-zero-tolerance-policies

Related link:
To amend section 3313.534 of the Revised Code with respect to school district policies for violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior.
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=130_SB_167


Maryland - 2013

‘Toaster Pastry Gun Freedom Act’ proposed in Maryland
http://dailycaller.com/2013/03/10/toaster-pastry-gun-freedom-act-proposed-in-maryland/

Related link:
New bill on school discipline introduced to Senate
http://dailycaller.com/2013/03/10/toaster-pastry-gun-freedom-act-proposed-in-maryland/



Examples of “Zero Tolerance” policies out of control (More examples on Page 2 of this forum thread):
Note: In some cases, the charges may have been withdrawn.  However, the child has already been traumatized by the abuse of the “Zero Tolerance” policies.

If you know of more examples, post them here.  It’s important to expose these abuses for all to see.

Chicago, Ill - February 2014

Zero Tolerance: Chicago School Officials Suspend 11-Year-Old Boy Under ‘Dangerous Weapons’ Policy for Voluntarily Turning in Non-Firing Toy Gun
https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/on_the_front_lines/zero_tolerance_chicago_school_officials_suspend_11_year_old_boy_under_dange


Baltimore, Maryland - March 2013

Anne Arundel second-grader suspended for chewing his pastry into the shape of a gun
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/anne-arundel-second-grader-suspended-for-chewing-his-pastry-into-the-shape-of-a-gun/2013/03/04/44c4bbcc-84c4-11e2-98a3-b3db6b9ac586_story.html

Related article:
Second-grader suspended for having breakfast pastry shaped like a gun
http://dailycaller.com/2013/03/02/second-grader-suspended-for-having-breakfast-pastry-shaped-like-a-gun/

Related article:
Second-grader suspended for having breakfast pastry shaped like a gun
http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/13/suspension-over-gun-shaped-toaster-pastry-is-now-permanent-mark-on-kids-record/


Suffolk, Virginia - May 2013

"Va. Boy Suspended for Pointing Pencil Like Gun"
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Va-Boy-Suspended-for-Pointing-Pencil-Like-Gun-206390721.html


Mount Carmel area, PA - January 2013

Pennsylvania girl, 5, suspended for talk of 'shooting' a Hello Kitty 'bubble gun'
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/21/us/pennsylvania-girl-suspended


Dennis Township, NJ - 2007

7-year-old suspended over stick-figure drawing
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21397455/#.UwJm34X8s4Z


Orange, CA - September 2013

California: High School that Banned NRA T-Shirt Backs Down
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2013/10/california-high-school-that-banned-nra-t-shirt-backs-down.aspx

Related article:
"Attorney: School Violated Girl's Rights Over NRA T-Shirt"
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Attorney-School-Violated-Girls-Rights-Over-NRA-Shirt.html


Montgomery County, Maryland - January 2013

"Montgomery Co. Student Suspended For 'Gun' Gesture"
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Montgomery-Co-Student-Suspended-For-Gun-Gesture-185374841.html

Related article:
"1st Grader Suspended for Gun Gesture"
http://news.yahoo.com/first-grader-suspended-gun-gesture-173036429--abc-news-topstories.html

Related article:
"Montgomery Co. student suspended for gun gesture gets school record cleared"
http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/01/montgomery-co-student-suspended-for-gun-gesture-83639.html


Grand Island, Nebraska - August 2012

"Nebraska family, school at odds over deaf boy’s ‘gun-like’ sign language name"
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/08/29/nebraska-school-district-says-deaf-student-not-required-to-change-sign-language/


Newark,Del - October 2009

"It’s a Fork, It’s a Spoon, It’s a ... Weapon?"
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/education/12discipline.html


Kitchner, Ontario, Canada - February 2012

"Man shocked by arrest after daughter draws picture of gun at school"
http://www.therecord.com/news-story/2598150-man-shocked-by-arrest-after-daughter-draws-picture-of-gun-at-school/


Coventry RI - June 2010

"School Bans Hat Over Toy Soldiers' Guns"
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/school-bans-hat-over-toy-soldiers-guns/


Hammonton, N.J. - February 2011

"Cops Charge 7-Year-Old for Bringing Toy Gun to Class"
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Cops-Charge-7-Year-Old-for-Bringing-Toy-Gun-to-Class-115125844.html


Oklahoma City, OK - January 2011

‘Gun’ Hand Gesture Gets Oklahoma 1st-Grader Suspended
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2011/01/21/gun-hand-gesture-gets-oklahoma-1st-grader-suspended/


Sayreville, NJ - March 2000

‘Cops and robbers’ to be played out in court Sayreville parents have filed a lawsuit against the district
http://sub.gmnews.com/news/2000-06-07/Front_Page/f12.html

Related article:
The Rutherford Institute defends kindergartner suspended for playing make-believe game of 'cobs & robbers'
https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/on_the_front_lines/pr331

Related article:
Zero-tolerance policies victimize 'good' kids
http://www.wnd.com/2000/06/4522/


Alexandria, VA - February 2013

Va. student displayed toy gun on school bus, police say
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/student-displays-toy-gun-on-bus-police-say/2013/02/05/5a0be5e0-6fc6-11e2-ac36-3d8d9dcaa2e2_story.html


Missouri - February 2013

Third-grader suspended over toy gun on fob
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2013/feb/01/third-grader-suspended-over-toy-gun-fob/


Hyannis, MA - January 2013

Hyannis West student, 5, warned for making Lego gun
http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/20757580/2013/01/28/hyannis-west-student-5-warned-for-making-lego-gun


Florida - March 2013

High-schooler suspended for disarming student holding loaded gun
http://dailycaller.com/2013/03/04/high-schooler-suspended-for-disarming-student-holding-loaded-gun/


Pasco, WA - March 2013

Washington boy suspended for talking about toy Nerf guns, suspension overturned
http://www.examiner.com/article/washington-boy-suspended-for-talking-about-toy-nerf-guns-suspension-overturned

Related article:
Pasco School District overturns 6-year-old's suspension for discussing toy gun
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/03/07/2302285/pasco-school-district-overturns.html


Edmunds, WA - June 2013

Wash. elementary school students reportedly suspended for using Nerf guns
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/06/05/wash-students-suspended-for-playing-with-nerf-guns-at-school/


Philadelphia, PA - January 2013

Fifth-grader reprimanded for bringing paper ‘gun’ to school
Watch the video.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/fifth-grader-reprimanded-bringing-paper-gun-school-181022936.html

Related article:
Mom Says School Went Too Far Punishing Child For 'Paper Gun'
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/20653505/mom-says-south-philly-school-went-too-far-punishing-child-for-paper-airplane


Sumter, SC - January 2013

Sumter kindergartener expelled for bringing toy gun to school
http://www.thestate.com/2013/01/31/2612681/sumter-kindergartener-expelled.html#.UQqe5R2x98E


Virginia Beach, VA - September 2013

7th-graders suspended for playing with airsoft gun in own yard
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/09/24/7th-grader-suspended-for-playing-with-airsoft-gun-in-own-yard/


Trappe, Maryland - January 2013

First-graders reportedly suspended for using fingers as ‘guns’ while playing cops and robbers
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/1st-graders-booted-playing-cops-robbers-article-1.1241260

Related article:
White Marsh Elementary first-graders suspended for using fingers as guns while playing
http://www.myeasternshoremd.com/news/talbot_county/article_d6737266-5da5-11e2-a2a7-0019bb2963f4.html


Pennsylvania - December 2013

10-year old Johnny Jones suspended for shooting imaginary arrow
http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/12/10-year-old-johnny-jones-suspended-for-shooting-imaginary-arrow/

Related link:
Fifth Grader Suspended for Shooting Imaginary Arrow!?
http://foxnewsinsider.com/2013/12/07/fifth-grader-suspended-shooting-imaginary-arrow

Related link:
Rutherford Institute Defends 10-Year-Old Suspended for Shooting Imaginary Arrow, Threatened with Expulsion Under Weapons Policy
https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/on_the_front_lines/rutherford_institute_defends_10_year_old_suspended_for_shooting_imaginary_a


Palmer, Massachusetts - May 2013

6-year old brings Quarter-sized toy gun on bus, threatened with detention and suspension
http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/05/6-year-old-brings-quarter-sized-toy-gun-on-bus-threatened-with-detention-and-suspension/

related link:
New Developments in Lego Gun Incident in Palmer
http://www.wggb.com/2013/05/28/abc40-tonight-new-developments-in-lego-gun-incident-in-palmer/


Charleston, West Virgina - April 2013

Jared Marcum: Eighth Grader Jailed For Wearing NRA T-Shirt to School
http://www.policymic.com/articles/37057/jared-marcum-eighth-grader-jailed-for-wearing-nra-t-shirt-to-school

Related link:
8th grade student suspended for wearing NRA t-shirt
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/22050127/suspended-for-wearing-nra-t-shirt

Related linik:
Dad of West Virginia boy arrested over NRA shirt says he'll fight punishment
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/23/dad-west-virginia-boy-arrested-over-nra-shirt-says-hell-fight-punishment/

Related link:
W. Va. teen who refused to remove NRA shirt at school could face jail time in related charge
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/w-v-teen-refused-remove-nra-shirt-school-face-jail-time-related-charge-article-1.1374155


OWINGS, MD - June 2013

WMAL EXCLUSIVE: 11-Yr-Old Suspended From School For Merely TALKING About Guns
http://pro.wmal-af.tritonflex.com/common/page.php?pt=WMAL+EXCLUSIVE:+11-Yr-Old+Suspended+From+School+For+Merely+TALKING+About+Guns&id=26543&is_corp=0

Related link:
Boy suspended for discussing guns on bus
http://www.onenewsnow.com/education/2013/06/11/boy-suspended-for-discussing-guns-on-bus#.UwudIoX8s4Y




More information:

A Return to Sanity? Lawmakers Push Back Against Zero-Tolerance Abuses
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2014/2/a-return-to-sanity-lawmakers-push-back-against-zero-tolerance-abuses.aspx

New York Times Comes Out Against School 'Zero Tolerance' Policies
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2014/01/05/New-York-Times-Comes-Out-Against-School-Zero-Tolerance-Policies

Zero-tolerance still in use despite lack of evidence
http://www.ernweb.com/educational-research-articles/zero-tolerance-still-in-use-despite-lack-of-evidence/

The zero-tolerance war on kindergarteners
http://legalinsurrection.com/2013/06/the-zero-tolerance-war-on-kindergarteners/

Zero Tolerance and Alternative Strategies: A Fact Sheet for Educators and Policymakers
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/factsheets/zt_fs.aspx

Interesting development, but read about the motivation behind the recommendation:
Obama administration recommends ending ‘zero-tolerance’ policies in schools
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/obama-administration-recommends-ending-zero-tolerance-policies-in-schools/

Gun play: 'Zero tolerance' toward schoolkids could backfire, says expert
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/06/11/gun-play-zero-tolerance-toward-young-schoolkids-could-backfire-says-expert/

Zero-tolerance policies in schools face backlash in wake of gun violence
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/feb/18/zero-tolerance-policies-schools-face-backlash-wake/

[Bean Counter]

"Zero common sense."

[Elkaholic daWg]

 Stupid is as stupid does.....

[dscubame]

Common sense out the window.  Geeeesh

[Heredoggydoggy]

Not to mention the guy that was pulled off a plane because they found a keychain-sized pistol shoved into the holster of a "Toy Story" doll in his packed luggage.  How ridiculous can you get with this stuff?!  Common sense sure isn't very common these days... 

[PolarBear]

Welcome to the new liberal world of punishing everyone else to push their own agenda.

[Heredoggydoggy]

Welcome to the new liberal world of punishing everyone else to push their own agenda.

 

[dscubame]

The government is here to take care of us.....everyone relax.

[huntrights]

Added to original post under examples:

Washington - March 2013.
Washington boy suspended for talking about toy Nerf guns, suspension overturned
http://www.examiner.com/article/washington-boy-suspended-for-talking-about-toy-nerf-guns-suspension-overturned

Related article:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/03/07/2302285/pasco-school-district-overturns.html


Washington - November 2013.
Gonzaga Students Hit With Probation for Pulling Gun on Intruder
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/11/gonzaga-students-hit-with-probation-for-pulling-gun-on-intruder/

Related article:
http://www.kxly.com/news/spokane-news/gonzaga-to-reinforce-zero-tolerance-firearms-policy-through-campus-meetings/-/101214/23071300/-/xlouibz/-/index.html


Washington - June 2013.
Wash. elementary school students reportedly suspended for using Nerf guns
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/06/05/wash-students-suspended-for-playing-with-nerf-guns-at-school/


Philadelphia - January 2013
Watch the video:
Fifth-grader reprimanded for bringing paper ‘gun’ to school
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/fifth-grader-reprimanded-bringing-paper-gun-school-181022936.html

Related article:
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/20653505/mom-says-south-philly-school-went-too-far-punishing-child-for-paper-airplane

SUMTER, SC - Jamuary 2013
Sumter kindergartener expelled for bringing toy gun to school
http://www.thestate.com/2013/01/31/2612681/sumter-kindergartener-expelled.html#.UQqe5R2x98E


Added to original post under more information:

Interesting development, but read about the motivation behind the recommendation:
Obama administration recommends ending ‘zero-tolerance’ policies in schools
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/obama-administration-recommends-ending-zero-tolerance-policies-in-schools/


Gun play: 'Zero tolerance' toward schoolkids could backfire, says expert
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/06/11/gun-play-zero-tolerance-toward-young-schoolkids-could-backfire-says-expert/

[Taco280AI]

Sick of zero tolerance policies and people worrying about being PC or hurting someone's feelings.

[huntrights]

Sick of zero tolerance policies and people worrying about being PC or hurting someone's feelings.

 
"Zero Tolerance" policies and many of the people enforcing them are out of control.  Anti-gun agendas and ideologies are obviously being applied through these policies.  That's why some states are proposing laws to prevent these abuses on our children.  This thread, "“Zero Tolerance” policies are out of control", was started to expose just how much these policies are being abused, misdirected, and misapplied.  These abuses are happening in Washington and around the country as is clearly shown by the examples collected so far.

[Heredoggydoggy]

The libs know they can't influence us old guys.  All they can do is brainwash "the children". 

[bearpaw]

great topic and comments, couldn't agree more.... 

[sakoshooter]

 

"Zero common sense."

[buckfvr]

There is getting to be more and more people out there that just have to be in other peoples business...............these are the same people who seem to be incapable of learning a lesson unless its accompanied by abrassions, lacerations, contusions, and broken bones...........

Years past, nothing taught more people to mind their own business faster then a bloody nose.............   I know, I know......not nowadays........unless................