Zero-tolerance policies fail marginalized students; systemic inequities demand holistic reform
Original framing: “A rethink is needed on zero-tolerance school behaviour policies” — The Conversation - Global
The article centers the experiences of marginalized students, highlighting how zero-tolerance policies exacerbate systemic inequities and disproportionately harm these communities.
Zero-tolerance policies are a symptom of a deeper systemic failure to recognize the interconnectedness of education, social equity, and human development.
By centering marginalized voices and applying scientific insights, we can move toward restorative, community-driven models that prioritize learning over control. Cross-cultural and historical awareness can further enrich these reforms, while future-oriented planning ensures sustainability. The trickster lens reminds us that the illusion of control through punitive measures masks the deeper need for holistic transformation.