The bill amends Section 16-2-17 of the General Laws regarding the right to a safe school, emphasizing that all students, staff, teachers, and administrators have the right to a secure learning environment free from threats of physical harm. It authorizes school committees or designated principals to issue out-of-school suspensions to students in grades six (6) and above for being a threat to the safety of others or for violating school regulations involving alcohol, illegal drugs, controlled substances, or weapons. For students in preschool through grade five (5), out-of-school suspensions may only be issued after consultation with a school psychologist or other mental health professional, and only if it is determined that the student's behavior presents a threat to the physical safety or health of others that cannot be mitigated through interventions and supports.

The bill also requires that in all instances of suspension, schools must use appropriate behavioral supports, including restorative justice practices, to address the student's conduct. Additionally, it mandates that out-of-school suspensions for violations involving alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons be imposed on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with 16-21-21.1.

Furthermore, a student suspended under this section has the right to appeal the action of the school committee. Each school district is required to submit an annual report to the council on elementary and secondary education detailing actions taken to address any disparities in disciplinary actions, after consultation with faculty representatives. If a review of the data determines that there are no disparities, the district must submit an annual report to that effect. This act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2215: 16-2-17