Earlier this year, The U.S. Department of Education (ED) met with advocates to discuss the possible repeal of the federal school discipline guidance. As a result of a suggestion received during the meeting, ED decided to hold listening sessions around the country to hear more from stakeholders. Following the Parkland, FL school shootings Ed also convened a Federal Commission on School Safety. The Commission is composed of four cabinet heads (ED, Health and Human Services, Dept. of Justice, and Homeland Security) and will receive input from stakeholders in the coming weeks/months at listening sessions and via email at safety@ed.gov. The Commission is charged with considering the repeal of the federal school discipline guidance as well as make other recommendations perceived to be related to making schools safe.

Gwinnett SToPP, Communities United/VOYCE Project, Dignity in Schools Campaign, Racial Justice NOW! and CJSF attended the first listening session held this month  in Washington D.C. You can read Education Week’s coverage of the session at https://tinyurl.com/edwkblog. It was clear that ED made a disingenuous attempt to engage the public on this very important topic. Gwinnett SToPP members penned an open letter (below) to ED so that future listening sessions provide for the community’s full participation. Read the letter here or catch up on the media coverage of the session.