Maryland Abandons Zero Tolerance Approach To Student Discipline With New Regulations

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) welcomed the Maryland State Board of Education's (MBE) recent changes to the state's discipline policies, which abandons the zero tolerance approach to discipline in favor of a more constructive and less punitive approach.  David C. Friedman, Washington DC Regional Director, issued the following statement:

"Harsh disciplinary policies in schools that lead to out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for even minor infractions of school conduct codes disproportionately impact students of color, students with disabilities, and students who identify as LGBT and undermine the goal of quality public education for all.  We commend the Maryland State Board of Education for tackling the high rate of suspensions and expulsions and addressing the disproportionate rates of discipline in the state.  This represents a major step forward in the pursuit of justice and fair treatment for all."

As a leading civil rights organization, ADL has advocated for alternatives to expulsions and out-of-school suspensions.  In 2012 ADL submitted testimony to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights on ending the school-to-prison pipeline, and in 2013 ADL and a coalition of civil rights groups submitted a report to the United Nations addressing education inequities in the United States, including the school-to-prison pipeline.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

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