One Lawmaker Wants to End Suspensions Of Elementary Students

Is it appropriate discipline to suspend elementary schoil students for bad behavior?

The Advocate reports last year, more than 7,400 Louisiana public school students in kindergarten and first, second and third grades were handed out-of-school suspensions.

But Senate President Pro Tem Sharon Broome wants to change that. She's proposed a measure to end suspensions of these younger children.

Broome tells the Baton Rouge paper: “I am not trying to excuse bad behavior,” Broome said. “I think there should be consequences” for it.

“But when you are talking about those younger kids — 5, 6, 7 — I just think we ought to have a system that is able to deal with that particular age group and those lower grades,” she said.

But this bill is sparking heated debate and it could come to a head this week.

One primary concern is local control. Should the state be involved in the discipline policy at local schools?

Current laws allow even the state’s youngest public school students to be tossed out of school for a wide range of offenses, including willful disobedience, intentional disrespect toward teachers and principals, profane language, carrying firearms, bullying or school disturbances.

Broome’s bill would ban out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for students in kindergarten through third grade unless they pose a threat to the safety or well-being of others.