NEW YORK – Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman wrote an op-ed in the Albany Times Union about a new, groundbreaking agreement with the Albany school district to reform school disciplinary practices and prevent the criminalization of ordinary school misconduct.
Highlights from the op-ed are below:
ON GOALS OF ALBANY AGGREEMENT: The agreement between my office and the Albany school district will help make sure all of our children can go to school in a safe, effective, and supportive environment. It builds upon the success achieved in Syracuse over the past year, and strives for the principles of fairness and equality that form the backbone of every high achieving school system.
ON THE TROUBLING GROWTH OF SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE: One major factor in this growing trend is the rise of severe discipline policies like suspensions, expulsions, and zero-tolerance that push children – especially children of color -- into the justice system.
ON THE SUCCESS OF A SIMILAR AGREEMENT IN SYRACUSE: Between the 2013-14 to 2014-15 school years [in Syracuse], we’ve seen a 30 percent drop in the number of referrals that resulted in punitive discipline – and a dramatic 77 percent plunge in out-of-school suspensions at elementary schools, according to data provided to my office by the district.
ON WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW: It is up to public officials, school leaders, and parents to come together to make sure our kids have access to the most safe and effective learning environment possible. It is time for school districts nationwide to learn from these examples and reform their policies to be more inclusive and supportive of all students.
Read the full op-ed here.