IL HR0873

Recognizes that exclusionary discipline (suspension or expulsion) in pre-K through 12th grade schools occurs at unnecessarily high rates, particularly for non-violent offenses.

Urges the U.S. Department of Education, juvenile court officials, and legislative staff to review current laws and policies on exclusionary discipline for students who commit non-violent offenses.

Calls for the review to examine the number and length of exclusionary discipline actions, types of offenses, impact on students, and alternative restorative justice approaches.

Requests identification of resources to support teachers, parents, and school personnel in addressing students' social, emotional, and behavioral health needs.

Highlights disparities in school discipline, noting that Black girls are five times more likely to be suspended than white girls and twice as likely as white boys.