School Suspension and Expulsion: Policy Statement

Exclusionary school discipline practices-ie, suspension and expulsion-represent some of the most severe consequences a school district can implement for unacceptable student behavior. Suspension and expulsion were traditionally used for student behaviors that caused serious harm, such as bringing a weapon to school. Currently, the most common indications for exclusionary school discipline are for behaviors that are neither violent nor criminal. There is little evidence that exclusionary school discipline practices make schools safer or deter future misbehavior. American Indian/Alaska Native students, Black students, students whose caregivers have low socioeconomic status, male students, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning students, and students with disabilities are disproportionately disciplined with suspension and expulsion. In addition, exclusionary school discipline in the preschool period can be harmful to early childhood development. Children and adolescents affected by exclusionary school discipline are at higher risk for dropping out of high school and for involvement with the juvenile justice system. Both of those experiences are associated with a worse profile of physical and mental health outcomes. A multidisciplinary and trauma-informed approach to reducing exclusionary school discipline practices is described. Recommendations are provided at both the practice level for pediatric health care providers and at the systems level for both pediatric health care providers and educators.