Rhode Island Senate Bill S2143

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/24/24

Caption

Authorizes the school administration to issue an out-of-school suspension to students if they are a threat to the safety of others.

Impact

The primary intent of S2143 is to create a more secure educational environment which can foster learning without the disruption from unsafe behaviors. This bill seeks to ameliorate issues related to the safety of students, teachers, and administrators by addressing threats posed by certain student conduct. It includes provisions for rigorous data collection on disciplinary actions to ensure transparency and accountability, thereby influencing how schools manage behavioral issues among students.

Summary

Bill S2143 aims to enhance school safety regulations within Rhode Island by granting school administrations expanded authority to issue out-of-school suspensions to students in grade six and above. The bill allows suspensions not only for disruptive behavior but also for actions deemed a threat to the safety of others, including violations involving substances or weapons. For younger students from preschool to grade five, suspensions can only occur after consulting with mental health professionals, emphasizing a focus on behavioral interventions prior to severe disciplinary actions.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of schools, opponents may raise concerns regarding potential overreach and the implications for vulnerable student populations, particularly those with behavioral health needs. Critics fear that there may be an increased rate of suspensions for minor infractions, which could disproportionately affect certain demographics and fail to address underlying behavioral issues. The emphasis on out-of-school suspension may clash with restorative justice approaches aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment.