Every day 800 Black and Latino students are given out-of-school suspensions by Illinois schools, despite evidence that such harsh disciplines are, ineffective, costly and fall disproportionately on students of color. “In the wake of the Ferguson decision, the Illinois legislature has a concrete action step at their fingertips that would improve the futures for countless students of color,” said Brandon Johnson, Deputy Political Director, Chicago Teachers Union. “We are counting on the Illinois legislature to act during veto session to ensure brighter futures for students of color across Illinois.” Some 50 student activists from Voices of Youth in Chicago Education held a news conference in the Chicago Loop to push for immediate passage of SB 3004. This and a companion bill, HB 4655, would address the counterproductive use of overly harsh disciplinary measures by:

• Limiting the use of out-of-school suspensions and expulsions at publicly funded schools to situations where such responses are educationally appropriate;
• Prohibiting the use of disciplinary fines and fees, and “counseling out” or transfers as discipline methods;
• Creating greater consistency in school discipline practices across Illinois’ school districts;
• Continuing to allow for local discretion in ensuring school safety;
• Helping more students stay on track academically;
• Promoting proven, developmentally appropriate disciplinary alternatives through improved professional development for school staff.