#GivingNewsDay Today only: Double your donation + get a thank-you gift
DONATE
Skip to content
ProPublica Donate
ProPublica Donate
Education

Crackdown on Student Threats

Tennessee’s Harsh Punishment of Kids

Students in Tennessee are being kicked out of school and arrested on felony charges, sometimes because of rumors and misunderstandings. Experts say there’s little evidence that zero-tolerance laws make schools safer.

Highlights From This Series

Sept. 25, 2024

Junior, an 11-year-old, is accused of making a threat at school, which he denies. Officials let him go home with his mom. Hours later, a deputy tracks him down at a family dinner at a LongHorn Steakhouse, cuffing him in the parking lot.

Aug. 8, 2024

Ty, a 13-year-old with autism, is arrested, charged with a felony and detained for telling a teacher not to look in his backpack because the school would blow up. Ty later explains that he was trying to protect the stuffed bunny inside.

September 2023

Lee, a 10-year-old fifth grader in East Tennessee, is accused by fellow students of pointing a finger gun. The school expels him for a year for making a threat of mass violence.