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 headaches and menstrual cramps respectively ) 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
Columbine High School massacre
Columbine High School massacre
Zero tolerance (schools)