Black Male Pespectives On The Implications Of Zero Tolerance Policies: A School-To-Prison Pipeline?

Abstract

This study examines the lived experiences of African American male students who have attended schools that implement zero tolerance policies as a disciplinary strategy and how these lived experiences have shaped their social and academic progression. More intently, this study will explore the immediate and long-term effects of zero tolerance policies and how it has affected the lived experiences of these African American male students on both a community and classroom level. Finally, through investigation this study will explore the possible link between zero tolerance, race, identity, the school to prison pipeline and mass incarceration as defined by Michelle Alexander (2010).