School Suspensions Do More Harm than Good
There is no doubt that suspensions do more harm than good in the school system. The effects of suspensions can ripple throughout an individual’s academic and social life, and can impede the development of a strong academic foundation. In fact, a recent study by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) found that nearly one in five black students in grades 3-8 are suspended from school, and that these suspensions often lead to more mental health problems and lower academic achievement.
Moreover, suspensions are often based on subjective judgments, and can disproportionately affect minority students. For example, black students are more likely to be suspended for low-level infractions such as talking back to a teacher, while white students are more likely to be suspended for more serious offenses such as fighting. This racial disparity is likely due to the fact that black students are more likely to face harsher discipline from school officials.
In light of these troubling findings, it is clear that suspensions do more harm than good in the school system. Instead of suspending students, schools should focus on providing adequate resources and support to students so that they can learn in a safe and healthy environment.