We call on the New York City Department of Education to Take Action Now!

The Dignity in Schools Campaign-New York is calling for more systemic changes that would significantly limit the number of incidents that result in suspension and require the use of positive guidance interventions as alternatives to suspension.  DSC-NY is calling for a 50% reduction in suspensions by September 2013 and for implementation of positive approaches to discipline, like restorative justice, conflict resolution and peer mediation, in all schools.  Leading up to the DOE hearing on revisions to the Discipline Code to take place this June 5th, DSC-NY is calling on the DOE to:

1.     End all suspensions for minor behavior infractions, like being insubordinate or shoving or pushing, that are listed in Levels 1-3 of the Discipline Code.

2.     Require that schools use positive interventions before they can suspend a student, including for behaviors like fighting listed in Levels 4-5 of the Discipline Code, and direct schools to use suspension only as a last resort.

3.     End long-term suspensions of more than 10 days and prohibit students from being suspended for more than 10 days total over the school year.

4.     Fund and implement positive school-wide approaches to discipline in 10 high need schools, including those with the highest suspension and arrest rates, and in each of those schools designate and train a Restorative Discipline Coordinator.

We urge that you work with us to ensure that positive alternatives to suspensions and arrests are implemented in NYC public schools!

Sincerely,

Members of the Dignity in Schools Campaign-New York: 

Advocates for Children of New York, Brooklyn Movement Center, Center for Community Alternatives, Children’s Defense  Fund-New York, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Coalition for Gender Equity in Schools, Desis Rising Up and Moving, Future of Tomorrow, Make the Road New York, Mass Transit Street Theater, National Economic and Social Rights Initiative, New Settlement Apartments Parent Action Committee, Pumphouse Projects, Sistas and Brothas United, Teachers Unite, The Sikh Coalition, Urban Youth Collaborative, Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, Youth on the Move, and Youth Represent