The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, announced a significant settlement with Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) aimed at reforming the district’s disciplinary practices. This agreement follows an investigation revealing systemic disparities impacting students of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners. The settlement outlines a four-year plan for collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to enhance discipline policies and create a safer educational environment for all students.
Key Reforms Addressing Disparities
The investigation highlighted that BPS’s disciplinary system disproportionately affected minority students. Data indicated that Black students were over six times more likely to receive out-of-school suspensions than their white counterparts, while Latino students faced nearly four times the likelihood. These alarming statistics prompted the need for systemic reform.
The newly established agreement mandates several crucial reforms. An independent monitor will be appointed alongside a Discipline Ombudsperson to ensure the fair implementation of discipline policies. Moreover, each school will create a Student Behavior Coordinator position to manage behavioral issues effectively. The district will revise its Code of Conduct, replacing vague language with clearer guidelines to foster better understanding among staff and students.
Under the settlement, staff will be encouraged to utilize less severe interventions before resorting to formal disciplinary actions. This shift aims to reduce the number of students facing suspensions, particularly for minor infractions. Additionally, the agreement enhances due process for students facing suspension, expands alternative education options, and provides increased language support for families who do not speak English.
Community Engagement and Support Initiatives
Jessica Bauer Walker, founder and executive director of CoNECT, emphasized the importance of this resolution, noting its potential to address the adverse effects of disproportionate suspension practices on both parents and students within Buffalo Public Schools.
As part of the reform initiative, BPS will enhance its public discipline data dashboard, improving clarity and accuracy for stakeholders. Staff will receive training on legal requirements and restorative practices to nurture a positive learning environment. To further gauge the impact of these changes, the district plans to engage with students and families through forums and school climate surveys.
These comprehensive measures aim to rebuild trust within the school community and mitigate practices that lead to students being pushed out of the classroom. By addressing these critical issues, the Buffalo Public Schools hope to foster an inclusive and supportive educational landscape that benefits all students.
