"Unraveling the Use of Ambiguous Guidelines in Student Suspensions"
Public schools across the U.S. suspend students for ambiguous reasons, leading to hundreds of thousands of missed school days annually, with black students and students with disabilities being disproportionately affected. Vague violations such as insubordination and disorderly conduct give teachers wide latitude in interpreting and assigning suspensions, often for low-level infractions. Research shows that suspensions negatively impact academic performance and contribute to higher dropout rates. While some policymakers aim to limit suspensions to severe misbehavior, others advocate for stricter discipline policies, despite warnings from experts and teachers. Critics argue that suspensions are ineffective and fail to address underlying issues, such as anxiety or personal struggles, prompting calls for alternative strategies and comprehensive support for students and educators.