Vincent L. Ferrandino and Gerald N. Tirozzi

In the following viewpoint, Vincent L. Ferrandino and Gerald N. Tirozzi contend that while zero tolerance is not perfect, it remains the best solution to reducing school violence. The authors acknowledge that such policies should be refined in order to take into consideration the age of the perpetrator and the seriousness of the crime. However, they argue, the media tend to overemphasize the problems caused by zero-tolerance policies and ignore their benefits. Ferrandino is the executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Tirozzi is the executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. When did zero tolerance emerge, as stated by the authors?
2. According to Ferrandino and Tirozzi, why is defending zero tolerance policies...