The spread of zero tolerance policies for school-based scenarios flourished under President William J. Clinton who wanted to close a loophole in the Guns-Free School Zones Act of 1990. Expansion in the coverage of zero tolerance policy to offenses outside the initial scope of weapon and drug offenses has led to a disproportional ratio of African American students and students with disabilities being excluded from schools through punitive measures including suspensions, expulsions, and in many cases, referral to law enforcement agencies. The buck must stop with school administrators; they are in the unique position of determining how discipline matters escalate at the point of interaction with the student. Alternatives to the zero tolerance policy are suggested based on a review of relevant literature.