2018: Agreements reached with schools to reduce disparities in suspensions

Access Press
7/10/2018 by Access Press Staff

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights has reached agreements with nine more school districts and charter schools to reduce disparities in suspensions for students with disabilities, American Indian students and students of color. This brings the total to 20 districts and charter schools.

The latest agreements were reached with Bemidji Public Schools, Columbia Heights Public Schools, Hopkins Public Schools, Minnesota Transitions Charter School, Prodeo Academy, Onamia Public Schools, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan/District 196, St. Paul Public Schools and Winona Public Schools.

“I want to thank these educators for their willingness to tackle this issue head on,” said Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey.

“These leaders should be commended for working to reduce suspension disparities for students with disabilities and students of color while maintaining safe environments for all. These efforts will help build a stronger Minnesota that is ready to embrace the dramatic demographic changes in our near future as our population ages and becomes more diverse,” said Lindsey.

Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey

The three-year agreements are unique to each school district or charter school, to redirect student behavior, support staff, and communicate with their community. Parents, students, school personnel and the educational community will be given meaningful opportunities to provide feedback and qualitative assessment of practices and policies. Diversion committees will be offered to facilitate sharing best practices on reducing suspension, cultural competency, and increasing student engagement.

There will also be improved data collection, training practices, discipline policies, and behavior management strategies will be consistently implemented, and semiannual reports to the department detailing efforts to implement their plan.

None of the agreements prohibit suspensions. Nor will the work affect student discipline resulting from behavior causing safety concerns, such as fighting, student possession of weapons, or illegal drugs. But for other behavior, suspension should only be a last resort.

The largest district in the latest round of agreements is in the capital city. “St. Paul Public Schools will continue its work to reduce suspensions and expulsions for students of color, American Indian students, and those with disabilities.

The district also welcomes the opportunity to continue to collaborate with others to explore solutions for these complex and statewide issues,” said Dr. Joe Gothard, superintendent. (Source: Minnesota Department of Human Rights)