12 May 2023
Joint Public Hearing: To examine school policies related to discipline and suspension, and to hear from stakeholders about proposed legislation, S.1040 “Solutions Not Suspensions Act”
Senate Hearing RoomSenate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 250 Broadway, New York, NY, 10007
10:00 AM
Joint – Senate Standing Committee Education
Chair: Senator Shelley Mayer
and Senate Standing Committee on New York City Education
Chair: Senator John Liu
Co-Sponsor: Senator Robert Jackson
Public Hearing: To examine school policies related to discipline and suspension, and to hear from stakeholders about proposed legislation, S.1040 “Solutions Not Suspensions Act”
Place: Senate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, New York
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Contact: Karen Reppy (312) 632-9617
Media Contact: Hannah Kirk (860) 270-0926
ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY
Subject: The Judith Kaye Solutions Not Suspensions Act (S1040)
Purpose: To examine school policies related to discipline and suspension, and hear from stakeholders about proposed legislation, S1040.
There has been growing attention to school discipline and suspension policies around our state. These policies have wide ranging effects –– they can have life changing consequences for students subject to discipline, affect the safety of our students and school staff, and impact the ability of teachers and administrators to effectively serve students.
As a recent report by NYSED’s Safe Schools Task Force makes clear, there are troubling disparities in the application of existing school discipline policies. Black students, Native American students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ students are all subject to disproportionate disciplinary measures, which can have long-term consequences. Even a single suspension can decrease the likelihood a student graduates or attends post-secondary education, and increase the likelihood they are involved in the juvenile justice system or have future behavioral incidents.[1]
These hearings will provide a wide range of stakeholders including students, teachers, administrators, and parents the opportunity to share their experiences and feedback on Senator Jackson’s proposed legislation, S1040/A5691 (Solages), The Judith Kaye Solutions Not Suspensions Act.
Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committees at the above hearings should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.
Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes duration. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.
Attendees and participants at any legislative public hearing should be aware that these proceedings are video recorded. Their likenesses may be included in any video coverage shown on television or the internet.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Committees, in accordance with their policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have made their facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to State Legislature facilities and activities.
