This study examines the impact of the zero-tolerance policies on Black males' educational experiences and outcomes. Individual interviews were conducted with Black males who dropped out of high school. Using counter-storytelling within a critical race theory framework, Black males discussed the influence of the zero-tolerance policies on their school experiences. These men's narratives affirm that these policies created an inhospitable school environment and poor student-teacher relationship. Furthermore, school personnel's use of the most punitive measures of the policies, suspension and expulsion of students, led to their school failure. (Contains 2 tables.)