URGENT UPDATE: New York lawmakers are racing to pass the pivotal Solutions not Suspensions Act, aiming to overhaul the current school suspension policies that disproportionately affect students of color and those with disabilities. With 76 sponsors backing the bill, advocates are urging immediate action to prevent further learning loss among affected students.
The bill, championed by Senator April Baskin and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solange, seeks to limit suspensions to a maximum of 180 days for any student, especially targeting youngsters in pre-K through grade 3. “Statistics show that a student who gets suspended once is most likely to get suspended again,” Baskin stated. This cycle often leads to dropouts, particularly among marginalized communities.
In the Buffalo Public Schools system, Black students account for an alarming 82% of all suspensions despite representing only 60% of the student body. “Our outdated school discipline policy is not working,” Solange warned, highlighting the urgent need for a systemic change. The bill emphasizes interventions instead of suspensions, designed to tackle root causes like mental health issues and food insecurity.
The proposed legislation mandates that suspended students receive out-of-school instruction, ensuring they do not fall behind academically. Solange noted, “We want to ensure that we’re having a more holistic conversation,” stressing the importance of addressing behavioral issues with solutions like peer counseling and parental engagement.
Despite previous hurdles, including funding for necessary resources, supporters are optimistic. “This policy will not only save money on the back end, but it will ensure we’re addressing students’ needs effectively,” Solange added.
As the bill awaits committee review in both the New York State Assembly and Senate, advocates are calling on community members to rally support. With a growing coalition of sponsors, the urgency is palpable. “I think we have a huge amount of momentum,” Solange declared.
Action is needed NOW to ensure that New York’s education system prioritizes solutions over punitive measures, potentially changing the lives of countless students. Keep an eye on this developing story as it unfolds in Albany.
