An Opportunity to Limit Suspensions and Expulsions for Young Students in Ohio

More than 34,000 students in pre-kindergarten through third grade were suspended or expelled in Ohio in the last two years.[1] Over half of those punishments were for non-violent or disruptive behavior.[2]  These suspensions and expulsions have negative, long-term effects on a student’s success in school. Studies show that students who are expelled or suspended at a young age are ten times more likely to have bad grades, dislike school, not graduate, and face jail time.[3]

In response to this issue, Ohio State Senator Peggy Lehner introduced the Supporting Alternatives for Fair Education (SAFE) Act in November 2017.[4]

The goal of the SAFE Act is to bring down the number of suspensions and expulsions for young students, create a safer school environment, and help students get better grades. Under the SAFE Act, suspensions and expulsions for non-violent and disruptive behavior would be limited for students in third grade and younger.

Instead of suspending or expelling a student for non-violent or disruptive behavior, schools will have to teach students how to behave better both before and after problems occur.[5]  More mental health support will be offered in the schools, and teachers will be given tools that help students receive good grades and have good behavior.[6]

If a student already struggles in school because of poor behavior, a punishment that keeps them out of school will delay them even further. The SAFE Act is intended to keep children in school, and on track towards graduation.

In May 2018, every senator in the Ohio voted in favor of the SAFE Act.  They clearly believe it is a positive step to support Ohio’s youngest and most vulnerable students.[7]  At the end of June, the Ohio House of Representatives also voted in favor of the SAFE Act. The SAFE Act will now go to Governor Kasich for his signature and once signed, become Ohio law. For more information about the status of the SAFE Act, visit https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/status-reports.

This article was written by Rachel Maver and appeared in The Alert: Volume 34, Issue 2. 

[1] http://www.ohiosenate.gov/senators/lehner/news/lehner-announces-unanimous-senate-passage-of-safe-act

[2] http://www.ohiosenate.gov/senators/lehner/news/lehner-announces-unanimous-senate-passage-of-safe-act

[3] http://www.ohiosenate.gov/senators/lehner/news/lehner-announces-unanimous-senate-passage-of-safe-act

[4] https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/11/bill_would_ban_suspensions_of_non-violent_young_students_to_keep_them_in_class.html

[5] https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/11/bill_would_ban_suspensions_of_non-violent_young_students_to_keep_them_in_class.html

[6] htt http://schubert.case.edu/2018/03/sb-246-the-safe-act-aims-to-provide-tools-for-building-positive-school-climates

[7] http://www.ohiosenate.gov/senators/lehner/news/lehner-announces-unanimous-senate-passage-of-safe-act