Assemblyman Manuel Perez has introduced AB 2537 to reduce the number of suspensions handed out in Californian schools by removing some categories of automatic suspension. Currently students are automatically suspended for carrying firearms, explosives or knives, sexually assaulting someone or selling drugs. If AB 2537 becomes law then only the carrying of firearms or knives will warrant an automatic suspension. Disciplinary action for the other offenses would be left to the discretion of the school concerned.
The bill will also remove the requirement for school principals to report illegal activities to law enforcement authorities. Furthermore, the bill will prohibit school boards from expelling students unless ‘other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct.’
The bill is being introduced to tackle the large number of schoolchildren in California who receive a suspension during the school year. In the 2009-2010 school year 7% of all children received at least one suspension.
For the entire text of AB 2537 click here.
Sirenia Jimenez, summer associate
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