Classroom Discipline Policy (H. 5483)

This bill would give educators, administrators, and school staff increased and vague authority to discipline students in classrooms. Specifically, educators would be authorized to use “reasonable physical force” to protect themselves or others from harm and to permanently remove students from classrooms. The bill does not clearly define what “reasonable physical force” would entail. Furthermore, this bill would prevent school districts from suspending, terminating, or disciplining an administrator, educator, or staff member who acts in accordance with this bill.

A similar bill, S. 1060, was introduced in the Senate.

We oppose this bill because, while it is important for educators, administrators, and school staff to be safe and protected, there must be limits and a clear understanding of what disciplinary actions an adult is allowed to use on a student. When the state legislature increases punitive consequences in schools rather than addressing systemic issues in communities, such as poverty, it does not address the causes of a student’s negative behaviors. This bill fails to address:

• The root causes of behavioral issues in classroom settings,

• Behavioral differences of children in special education classrooms and with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and

• The potential of this bill disproportionately targeting students of color and disabled students.