URGENT UPDATE: New York lawmakers are pushing for immediate reform in school discipline with the proposed Solutions Not Suspensions Act, aimed at reducing suspensions for minor infractions and addressing systemic inequalities. Advocates highlight that excessive suspensions deny students the education they deserve, disproportionately affecting students of color and those with disabilities.
Senator April Baskin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Statistics show that a student who gets suspended once is most likely to get suspended again.” This cycle contributes to higher dropout rates, with many students losing crucial learning time. In Buffalo, a staggering 82% of suspensions are for Black students, despite them making up only 60% of the student population.
The bill, currently in committee, seeks to limit suspensions to a maximum of 180 days and restricts suspensions for students from pre-K through grade 3. It mandates that suspended students receive out-of-school instruction, ensuring they continue their education. “Our outdated school discipline policy is not working,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solange stated. “It’s creating almost like a school-to-prison pipeline.”
The proposed legislation aims to address the root causes of misbehavior, such as mental health issues and food insecurity. “We know that when some students misbehave, it could be due to mental health reasons,” Solange added. The bill promotes interventions like peer counseling and professional support instead of punitive measures.
Supporters are optimistic, with 76 sponsors backing the bill in Albany, indicating significant momentum for its passage. “We have about 76 sponsors on the bill, and, in Albany, it’s 76 votes that support the bill, so I think that we have a huge amount of momentum,” Solange noted.
However, funding remains a critical hurdle. Advocates stress that investing in counselors, facilities, and training will ultimately save money and improve student outcomes. “Our students are having learning loss, and they’re also perpetuating any mental health issues that they are facing,” Solange said.
As the clock ticks, the urgency for change intensifies. The Solutions Not Suspensions Act is not just a legislative proposal; it represents a commitment to a more equitable education system in New York. With growing support and a clear focus on addressing the underlying issues that lead to suspensions, advocates believe this bill could reshape the future of school discipline across the state.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
