Too many students in New York are losing classroom time to suspensions that do little to address behavior and instead push young people further to the margins and away from their education. Black and brown students, immigrant youth, LGBTQIA+ students, and students with disabilities bear these harms disproportionately, reinforcing inequities, and deepening inequities.
The Judith S. Kaye Solutions Not Suspensions Act (S.134/A.118) would change that. For 11 years, advocates have fought to pass these protections, and a generation of students has grown up waiting for New York to act. Once passed, the bill would limit unnecessary suspensions, expand restorative approaches that keep students connected to learning, and protect students’ access to instruction when disciplinary action is taken.
Tell the Governor to include Solutions Not Suspensions and $50 million for its implementation in her upcoming Executive Budget Proposal, and tell your state legislators that this is a priority for you and that you expect them to pass and fund it. They represent you, and they should hear directly from the people they are accountable to. When students have the support they need to stay connected to school and succeed, we build stronger communities and a better future for all of New York.