<P> There is no credible evidence that zero tolerance reduces violence or drug abuse by students . Furthermore, school suspension and expulsion result in a number of negative outcomes for both schools and students . The American Bar Association finds that the evidence indicates that minority children are the most likely to suffer the negative consequences of zero tolerance policies . Analysis of the suspension rate of students show that black females and other racial minorities are suspended at a greater rate . The American Psychological Association concluded that the available evidence does not support the use of zero tolerance policies as defined and implemented, that there is a clear need to modify such policies, and that the policies create a number of unintended negative consequences, including making schools "less safe". </P> <P> In 2014, a study of school discipline figures was conducted . It was found that suspensions and expulsions as a result of zero tolerance policies have not reduced school disruptions . The study's author stated that "zero tolerance approaches to school discipline are not the best way to create a safe climate for learning". Zero tolerance policies are sometimes viewed as a quick fix solution for student problems . While this seems like a simple action - reaction type of situation, it often leaves out the mitigating circumstances that are often the important details in student incidents . Even civilian judges consider mitigating circumstances before passing judgement or sentencing . If zero tolerance policies were applied in adult courtroom scenarios, they would be fundamentally unjust and unconstitutional due to neglecting the laws involving due process, along with cruel and unusual punishments . According to the U.S. Department Of Education, about 1 in 5 middle school and high school students will be suspended . </P> <P> The label of zero tolerance began with the Gun - Free Schools Act of 1994, when Congress authorized public - school funding subject to the adoption of zero - tolerance policies . Similar policies of intolerance coupled with expulsions for less serious behaviors than bringing a weapon to school had long been a part of private, and particularly religious, schools . The use of zero - tolerance policies in secular, public schools increased dramatically after the Columbine High School massacre, with principals declaring that safety concerns made them want zero tolerance for weapons . These have led to a large number of disproportionate responses to minor, or technical transgressions, many of which have attracted the attention of the international media . These cases include students being suspended or expelled for such offenses as possession of ibuprofen or Midol (both legal, non-prescription drugs commonly used to treat menstrual cramps and headaches) with permission of the students' parents, keeping pocketknives (small utility knife) in cars, and carrying sharp tools outside of a woodshop classroom (where they are often required materials). In Seal v. Morgan, a student was expelled for having a knife in his car on school property, despite his protestations that he was unaware of the knife's presence . In some jurisdictions, zero - tolerance policies have come into conflict with freedom of religion rules already in place allowing students to carry, for example, kirpans . </P> <P> In the "kids for cash" scandal, judge Mark Ciavarella, who promoted a platform of zero tolerance, received kickbacks for constructing a private prison that housed juvenile offenders, and then proceeded to fill the prison by sentencing children to extended stays in juvenile detention for offenses as minimal as mocking a principal on Myspace, scuffles in hallways, trespassing in a vacant building, and shoplifting DVDs from Wal - Mart . Critics of zero - tolerance policies argue that harsh punishments for minor offenses are normalized . The documentary Kids for Cash interviews experts on adolescent behavior, who argue that the zero tolerance model has become a dominant approach to policing juvenile offenses after the Columbine shooting . </P>

When did zero tolerance policy in schools start