Zero Tolerance is a Mistake

Once you state that your policy is “zero tolerance” you are forced to fire or expel anyone who behaves in the way you have defined as unacceptable.  

You might recall the case of the little boy in kindergarten who kissed a little girl on the cheek and was expelled because of the school’s sexual harassment policy.  A kindergarten little boy – sexual harassment – really? 

Or the case of a child inadvertently taking his mother’s lunch bag.  She discovered the mistake shortly after he left for school and called the school explaining the mistake.  BUT, since Mother had a paring knife and an apple in the bag, her son was expelled for carrying a weapon. 

Zero Tolerance sounds good – but what happens to a valuable member of a club when he tells an off-color joke?  Should he be expelled from the club.  That is what zero tolerance demands.  Is that really what you want? 

It seems to me that what you want is to stop inappropriate behavior.  The dirty-joke teller needs to be counseled never to do it again.  If it is repeated he needs to have some sanctions, possibly a suspension or a fine – but expelling a valuable member of the club from the club is too harsh. 

Now, I hasten to add – I am not talking about sexual abuse.  I’m talking about minor infractions such as “dirty words” or off-color jokes.  Anyone that physically harms another person doesn’t deserve to be in my club.

Ayn Rand often said:  “My rights end at the bridge of your nose.”  I like that quote