Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2023 Ending Punitive, Unfair, School-based Harm that is Overt and Unresponsive to Trauma Act of 2023
The bill mandates the creation of more equitable disciplinary policies within educational institutions and promotes an environment that prioritizes student well-being. Schools that receive funding through this act are required to implement trauma-informed practices and other positive behavior interventions, moving away from punitive measures such as suspensions and expulsions for non-violent offenses. This shift aims to support educational engagement and mitigate the long-term negative consequences of exclusionary practices on student achievement and mental health.
House Bill 2690, known as the 'Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2023,' aims to address and reduce the use of exclusionary discipline practices in schools, which disproportionately affect students of color, particularly girls of color. This legislation focuses on strengthening data collection regarding these practices and the discriminatory application that often leads to school pushout situations. It emphasizes the need to eliminate unnecessary disciplinary actions that can interrupt students' education and contribute to their criminalization, especially among marginalized groups.
Notably, there is contention surrounding the implementation of this act, particularly regarding how schools will adjust current disciplinary frameworks and handle incidents of misconduct without resorting to exclusionary practices. Some critics argue that while the intentions are positive, the bill may face challenges in execution, particularly in schools struggling with resource deficits. Additionally, the requirement to not retain law enforcement personnel in schools receiving grants has drawn mixed feedback from various stakeholders concerned about school safety.
Furthermore, the act establishes a Joint Task Force to study the impacts of disciplinary disparities and work towards strategies that ensure accountability among educational agencies. This task force will be composed of diverse members, including students, educators, and civil rights advocates, fostering a collaborative approach to reforming school discipline.