School zero tolerance policies under scrutiny

DENVER — The events of the 1999 Columbine tragedy set new parameters for “zero tolerance” policies for Colorado schools, but state lawmakers are now reconsidering such a generalized approach to school discipline.

During a committee hearing Thursday, supporters of Senate Bill 46 were looking to give local educators greater discretion in disciplining students. The goal is eliminating mandatory student expulsions.

Brandon Garcia testified in front of the Senate committee in support of the bill.

Garcia, a recent graduate of North High School, says he got in trouble his freshman year for fighting.

If he had been expelled, he says he might have taken the wrong path and not graduated.

Instead, he graduated in May with hopes of becoming a teacher.

“It was me taking responsibility for the problem that I caused, instead of me being sent home,” Garcia says.