The Case Against School Suspensions: Why They Fail

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

4.7

Share

School Suspensions Perpetuate the School-to-Prison Pipeline

The disproportionate impact of school suspensions on marginalized students is undeniable and contributes significantly to the school-to-prison pipeline. This pipeline funnels students out of the educational system and into the juvenile justice system, often with devastating long-term consequences.

Disproportionate Impact on Minority Students

Statistics consistently show that students of color, particularly Black and Latinx students, face suspension rates far exceeding those of their white peers. This disparity cannot be attributed to differences in behavior alone.

• Data: Studies consistently reveal a significant racial gap in school suspension rates. For example, [cite a relevant study with statistics showing the disparity]. This disparity persists even when controlling for socioeconomic factors.
• Implicit Bias: Implicit bias among school staff plays a significant role. Unconscious biases can lead to harsher disciplinary actions for students of color, even when their behavior is similar to that of white students.
• Justice System Involvement: School suspension becomes a stepping stone to further involvement with the justice system. A suspension record can lead to increased scrutiny and harsher penalties for future offenses.

The Cycle of Disengagement

Suspension disrupts a student's education, creating a cycle of disengagement that is difficult to break.

• Lost Instructional Time: Days or weeks missed due to suspension represent significant lost learning time, making it challenging for students to catch up academically.
• Social-Emotional Impact: Suspension damages a student’s social-emotional well-being, impacting their relationships with peers and teachers, and fostering feelings of isolation and alienation.
• Increased Risk of Future Issues: The lack of support and increased feelings of alienation after suspension often lead to further behavioral problems and an increased likelihood of future disciplinary actions.

Ineffectiveness of Suspensions as a Deterrent

School suspensions are often ineffective in changing student behavior, failing to address underlying issues and creating a negative impact on student well-being.

Lack of Behavior Change

Research consistently demonstrates that suspensions do not effectively reduce future misbehavior.

• Ineffective Punishment: Suspensions merely remove students from the learning environment without addressing the root causes of their behavior.
• Restorative Justice: Instead of punishment, restorative justice practices focus on repairing harm and building relationships, leading to more positive behavioral changes.
• Root Cause Analysis: Effective discipline requires identifying and addressing the underlying reasons for misbehavior, such as trauma, learning disabilities, or lack of support at home.

Negative Impact on Student Wellbeing

Suspensions negatively impact a student's mental health and self-esteem.

• Emotional Distress: Suspended students often experience feelings of isolation, shame, anger, and hopelessness.
• Mental Health Risks: Suspension increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
• Sense of Belonging: Suspension damages a student’s sense of belonging in the school community, impacting their overall academic and social development.

Alternative Disciplinary Approaches

Effective alternatives to suspensions exist, focusing on restorative practices and positive behavioral interventions.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice prioritizes repairing harm and rebuilding relationships.

• Conflict Resolution: Mediation and other conflict-resolution techniques help students understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility.
• Community Building: Restorative practices foster a sense of community and belonging, making students feel more connected to their school.
• Successful Programs: Many schools have successfully implemented restorative justice programs, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing disciplinary incidents.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach to discipline, emphasizing prevention rather than punishment.

• Positive Reinforcement: PBIS uses positive reinforcement to encourage positive behavior and create a supportive learning environment.
• Clear Expectations: Establishing clear behavioral expectations and consistently enforcing them is crucial for PBIS success.
• School Climate: PBIS contributes to a positive school climate, promoting student well-being and academic achievement.

Conclusion

School suspensions are ineffective, disproportionately impact marginalized students, and harm student well-being. They do little to address the root causes of misbehavior and often exacerbate existing inequalities. Instead of relying on suspensions, schools should prioritize restorative justice practices and positive behavioral interventions to create supportive and inclusive learning environments. Let's work together to replace ineffective school suspensions with evidence-based alternatives that support all students and foster a positive and inclusive learning environment. Demand better disciplinary practices in your schools – let's end the harmful cycle of school suspensions. Contact your school board, advocate for restorative justice programs, and support initiatives that promote positive behavioral interventions. Let’s build a better future for our students, one free from the damaging effects of unnecessary school suspensions.