Mayor Bill de Blasio Plans to revise the discipline code in New York City Schools. De Blasio has been a strong opponent of what critics have deemed an aggressive approach to school safety first introduced in the 1990s and then supported by former mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
For over a decade now, the approach to discipline in New York City schools has resembled a zero tolerance policy where even minor infractions are dealt with swiftly and disruptive students are taken out of the classroom through suspensions and in more serious cases legal action. The result has been a safer school system, but one with increased police presence that has drawn criticism from educators and activists.
The de Blasio administration has not announced its plans, but the New York Times reports de Blasio is examining the threshold for suspensions and that he will likely emphasize “restorative practices” like conflict resolution.
In an email to the Times, an Education Department spokeswoman said, “We want these reforms to create a safe and supportive learning environment in every school, and are committed to both improving safety and reducing unnecessary suspensions. Our discipline code will reflect these goals.”
