Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1455

Introduced

1/16/23

Refer

1/16/23

Failed

1/31/23

Caption

State Board of Education; require to develop curriculum and implement programs of conflict resolution.

Impact

HB 1455 is set to transform school disciplinary practices by providing students who have not previously faced disciplinary actions an opportunity to participate in community service as an alternative to short-term suspension or expulsion. This shift aims to reduce the number of students removed from the classroom and promote their integration into positive community experiences instead. Additionally, the program includes the involvement of school resource officers and other staff members, ensuring that student mediations are supervised and conducted in a constructive environment that prevents bullying and violence.

Summary

House Bill 1455 introduces amendments to Mississippi's school discipline regulations by requiring the State Board of Education to develop a curriculum focused on conflict resolution and peer mediation. This program is intended for use in local school districts, primarily aiming to assist students and educators in managing conflicts without resorting to traditional disciplinary actions. The curriculum developed must align with evidence-based practices that relate to responsible decision-making, violence and harassment prevention, and nonviolent conflict resolution methods, and should be age and grade appropriate. All school districts rated 'D' or 'F' will be mandated to implement these programs in their schools.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill will foster a more peaceful school environment and offer constructive solutions to conflict, there may be concerns regarding the feasibility of its implementation in districts with limited resources. Critics may view the requirement for failing districts to adopt these additional programs as an unfunded mandate that adds to their burdens rather than alleviating existing issues. Moreover, the balance between traditional disciplinary measures and conflict resolution strategies may spark debates around how best to maintain order and safety within schools.