The term zero tolerance refers to automatic reprimand or punishment for even mild violations of certain rules. The policy forbids when people of even the highest position change punishment policy or rules. Punishments set earlier are not always severe. Those with sexual harassment or bad Internet uses are usually harsh. The first recorded use for the term was 1972, though it might have been used earlier. In certain schools, zero tolerance applies to any knife regardless of its type. Credible evidence, though, does not support zero tolerance rules having positive effects. In fact, suspensions may result in embarrassment to schools and students or even bad publicities. The policy has gotten criticized for violating Law Enforcement Codes.