Exclusionary school discipline (ESD) practices worsen the harmful health effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). As a consequence, these practices, because of their exclusionary nature, prevent students from accessing opportunities for learning and growth. Harmful and counterproductive ESD practices include suspensions, expulsions, referrals to law enforcement, and corporal punishment. These practices isolate vulnerable students, foster fear, increase stress, and reduce trust between students and teachers.
Children of color continue to be subjected to ESD practices in schools at higher rates than other students. Crucially, schools can reverse this deep-seated public health and civil rights crisis by implementing policy reforms that create a culture of belonging and respect, strengthening students’ connection to their schools.
ChangeLab Solutions has created these policymaking resources, webinars, and articles to help educators and policymakers reform school discipline practices in support of student health and wellbeing.
