Zero Tolerance Policy

The Florida Department of Education Zero Tolerance Policy on school violence, crime, and the use of weapons. As an approach to reducing school violence, the intent of the policy is to provide a safe school climate that is drug-free and protects student health, safety, and civil rights.

This policy requires the school district to impose the most severe consequences provided for in the Code of Student Conduct in dealing with students who engage in violent criminal acts, such as:

bringing or possessing a firearm or weapon to school, any school sponsored activity, or on school-sponsored transportation; shall also result in a referral for expulsion and mental health services pursuant to Section 1006.13 F.S. Making a threat or false report, respectively, involving school or school personnel’s property, school transportation, or school-sponsored activity; shall also result in a referral for expulsion and mental health services pursuant to Section 1006.13 F.S.
homicide;
assault, battery, and culpable negligence;
relating to kidnapping, false imprisonment, luring or enticing a child, and custody offenses;
sexual battery;
lewdness and indecent exposure;
child abuse;
robbery;
robbery by sudden snatching;
carjacking; and
home-invasion robbery

A student may also be referred for mental health services if deemed necessary by the threat assessment team. The State of Florida Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 1965 requires the School District to link juvenile violent incidents to the action taken by the student’s school and the District. The District is required to collect data about violent incidents involving students during each school year and transmit a report to the state. Certain infractions in the Code of Student Conduct may result in criminal penalties as well as administrative corrective strategies.