Texas Senate Bill SB593

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 2/10/11
• Refer: 2/17/11

Caption

Relating to disproportionate disciplinary action by school districts against students of a particular race or ethnicity or students enrolled in a special education program.

Impact

The implementation of SB593 is expected to significantly impact state education laws by enhancing the scrutiny on disciplinary actions within school districts. Specifically, the bill amends the Education Code to establish new reporting requirements tailored to reveal any patterns of disparity in disciplinary actions. This means that schools now have to formalize their reporting processes, and the Texas Education Agency will be tasked with evaluating this data to ensure fair treatment of all students, particularly those disproportionately affected.

Summary

SB593 aims to address concerns regarding disproportionate disciplinary actions taken by school districts against students based on race or ethnicity, as well as those enrolled in special education programs. By mandating that districts report detailed demographics and reasons for disciplinary actions, the bill seeks to create transparency in how disciplinary measures are applied. Schools will be required to provide data on suspensions, expulsions, and alternative placements, identifying specific student characteristics that may indicate bias in disciplinary practices.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB593 appears to lean towards support from advocacy groups and education reformers who are pushing for racial equity in school disciplinary measures. Proponents argue that the bill is a critical step toward combating systemic biases and ensuring that all students receive fair treatment. However, there may be concerns among some school administrators regarding the administrative burden of the new reporting requirements and the implications of being labeled as having disproportionate practices.

Contention

Notably, points of contention might arise around the effectiveness and feasibility of the measures prescribed by SB593. Opponents could argue that the focus on reporting does not necessarily result in substantive change in school discipline practices. There could also be concerns about potential overreach and the implications for local control of school district policies. Ultimately, while the bill aims to promote fairness and accountability, the challenge will be in ensuring that the reported data leads to meaningful improvements in how disciplinary actions are handled in Texas schools.