Seattle School Board halts suspensions for elementary students due to too many colored students being suspended for misbehaving

The Seattle School Board’s resolution calls for a one-year moratorium on some out-of-school suspensions for elementary students, and a plan to reduce such suspensions for all students.

The Seattle School Board has declared a one-year moratorium on out-of-school suspensions for elementary students who commit certain nonviolent offenses.

The moratorium will start this school year, as outlined in a resolution approved by the School Board at its Wednesday meeting.

The vote was unanimous.

“This is a step forward for all of us,” board member Betty Patu said. “These are our kids, and we need to do whatever we can to make sure they stay in school. I’m really excited we are actually making this a reality.”
 
The resolution originally proposed placing a moratorium on out-of-school suspensions for any offense other than ones that threatened health and safety. It was amended to target suspensions only for disruptive conduct, rule breaking and disobedience.

CLICK FOR MORE