DCPS and PCSB Joint Statement on the Student Fair Access to School Act

DCPS and PCSB Joint Statement on the Student Fair Access to School Act

Washington, D.C. - Chancellor Antwan Wilson and Executive Director Scott Pearson issued the following statement today about the Student Fair Access to School Act of 2017:

"We’re all united in the common mission of equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to contribute to our community and lead productive, vibrant lives. We want all children to be in school every day, but when suspensions are necessary, school leaders are the best experts in making discipline decisions."

"School leaders must make discipline decisions every day, considering the affected student, classmates, and the school community. These decisions are made with careful consideration by experienced educators who are closest to the situation and who best know all the individuals involved."

"Our city should support schools in tackling the underlying issues facing students, rather than mandating a one-size-fits-all-approach."

"We have worked hard to address suspensions in a thoughtful way. Over the past five years, suspensions have fallen nearly 5 percentage points in both DCPS and public charter schools. This is the result of leadership at the school level, attention from education leaders, and the desire to make good on our promises to educate and equip students for the future. Early numbers this year show the trend continuing."

"We believe addressing factors outside of the school building would yield results that are more meaningful, more authentic, and less counterproductive than legislative restrictions on school disciplinary practices."

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