<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> 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>
when did zero tolerance policy in schools start
when did zero tolerance policy in schools start
1994
1994