New Jersey Officials Release Comprehensive Guide to Tackle Discrimination in School Discipline

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Acting DOE Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan announce actionable steps for equitable discipline in schools.

Morristown, NJ – Addressing a critical concern that impacts students across New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Acting Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan announced the launch of a comprehensive guidance document aimed at preventing discrimination in school discipline. This release is an outcome of collaborative efforts between the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) and the DOE, answering the call for equitable treatment of all students, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

The What and the Why

The guidance document outlines how the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) applies to student discipline. Developed in response to the 2020 report by the Interagency Task Force to Combat Youth Bias, titled "An Anti-Bias Vision for the Next Generation," the document equips schools with the knowledge and tools to ensure unbiased disciplinary policies. It addresses the problematic disparities in discipline based on protected characteristics, illuminating the urgent need for reform.

"The guidance we are releasing today will help ensure greater equity for all New Jersey students," said Attorney General Platkin.

Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education, added, “This comprehensive resource equips schools across New Jersey with the tools to meticulously examine and rectify any discriminatory practices within their disciplinary processes.”

Sundeep Iyer, Director of DCR, emphasized, "Every student in New Jersey is entitled to a school environment free from discrimination."

Stark Disparities in Numbers

The guidance cites alarming data, including the fact that New Jersey's Black students are suspended at over 3.3 times the rate of white students. Latinx/e and multi-racial students face 1.5 times the rate, and students with disabilities are suspended at 1.7 times the rate of their non-disabled peers. LGBTQ+ students are also disproportionately affected, being suspended at 1.7 times the rate of non-LGBTQ+ students.

The document advises school administrators to review and possibly revise their discipline policies to align with the LAD. It calls for the collection and monitoring of all disciplinary data to identify disparities based on protected characteristics. Schools are urged to investigate any allegations of disparate discipline and to train all employees responsible for disciplining students in non-discrimination protocols.

This guidance is part of a broader initiative by DCR, DOE, and other partner agencies. Earlier in the year, DCR and DOE released resource guides targeting bias incidents on campuses and in K-12 schools, aiming to create safer learning environments throughout the state.

For those looking to file a complaint or to learn more, visit the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights website at www.njcivilrights.gov.