Parents and education advocates traveled to Albany to push New York lawmakers to limit school suspensions, according to Spectrum News, arguing that removing students from class hurts learning and fails to improve behavior. Supporters backed the proposed “Solutions Not Suspensions” bill during meetings with state officials.
Advocates with The Children’s Agenda said schools should focus more on counseling, support services, and alternatives to discipline instead of sending students home. Rochester Teachers Association President Adam Urbanski agreed students need more support but argued schools also need stronger staffing and structured intervention programs.
Some supporters called for expanded in-school suspension programs that would keep students supervised and learning while receiving behavioral support. The legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, remains in committee with only weeks left in the legislative session.
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