"DC Mayor Proposes UPLIFT Act to Combat Truancy and Youth Crime"

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has introduced legislation aimed at addressing truancy and youth crime, mandating aggressive prosecution for certain offenses and limiting prosecutorial discretion. The bill would also allow middle school principals to suspend students for bringing drugs or weapons to school, create an alternative campus for students with severe behavioral problems, and modify the referral process for children with poor attendance. Critics argue that the proposed measures may not effectively address the underlying issues contributing to truancy and youth crime, and that punitive responses may not be the best approach.