Zero Tolerance Means not Having to Think

Zero tolerance means not having to think, and that is why it is such a good fit with public schooling. But this is more than just unthinking - it's stupid. (hat tip: One Hand Clapping) I mean, we can't let a little thing like actually educating children who aren't otherwise causing problems get in the way of just retribution for those little rulebreakers leaving their shirts untucked!

What is really terrible about this, actually, is that zero tolerance dress codes do provide a sort of education. They teach children that rules are arbitrary and mindless, and authority figures (teachers and administrators) are either complicit in their breaking or responsible for enforcing them no matter how pointless they might be. They teach corruption, bribery and toadying. They teach that school is not concerned with academics or learning, no matter what your teachers tell you while they work on their exercise routines after plopping you in front of a movie (honors English, 7th grade, happened to me).

Somehow, I think that's not the education taxpayers expected the government to provide.

UPDATE: Gak! It was 10th grade, as Steph points out in the comments. That's what I get for posting while apoplectic.

UPDATE 2: Kimberly Swygert comments on this as well - about an hour before I did in fact.

Posted by Jeff at October 2, 2003 03:08 PM | Link Cosmos