According an October 1, 2024 statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), research shows that students from marginalized communities, including students with disabilities and LGBTQ+ students, are disproportionately impacted by exclusionary school discipline policies. In addition, research over the past 20 years shows that suspensions and expulsions don’t necessarily deter misbehavior and, during the 2020-21 school year 28% of students were suspended more than once.
The nonprofit pediatric organization also cautions that suspending or expelling a student is one of the most severe punishments schools can issue, and those actions can have lifelong, harmful consequences, according to an updated policy statement issued Oct. 1 by the American Academy of Pediatrics. As a result, AAP recommends schools reduce the use of exclusionary discipline through trauma-informed practices, as well as collect and analyze discipline data to identify areas for improvement.
AAP also suggests students be monitored for chronic absenteeism and screened for developmental disabilities — both of which can make school more challenging for students.
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