Are School Suspensions A Necessary Evil? Examining The Evidence

4 min read Post on May 02, 2025

Are School Suspensions A Necessary Evil? Examining The Evidence

The Arguments for School Suspensions as a Disciplinary Tool

Proponents of school suspensions argue they serve vital functions within the school system.

Maintaining Order and Safety

Suspensions are often seen as a necessary tool for maintaining order and ensuring a safe learning environment. The belief is that removing disruptive students protects other students and teachers from harm. Serious offenses, such as:

Physical violence or assault
Possession of weapons or drugs
Serious acts of vandalism or theft
Significant disruption of classroom learning

…often warrant suspension as a means to address immediate safety concerns and deter future misconduct. The argument is that a safe learning environment is paramount for effective education, and suspensions help achieve this.

Consequences and Accountability

Another argument centers on the idea that suspensions provide consequences for misbehavior, teaching students accountability for their actions. Different levels of suspension—from short-term ISS to longer OSS—can reflect the severity of the infraction, creating a system of escalating consequences. However, the effectiveness of suspensions as a deterrent remains a subject of debate. Some studies suggest that suspensions may not significantly reduce future misbehavior, and in some cases, can even exacerbate problematic behaviors.

The Negative Impacts of School Suspensions

Despite the arguments in their favor, school suspensions carry significant negative consequences, particularly for marginalized students.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline

A major concern is the contribution of suspensions to the school-to-prison pipeline. Studies show disproportionately high suspension rates for students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. This disparity reflects systemic biases within the education system and contributes to a cycle of disengagement and increased likelihood of future criminal activity. For example:

Black students are suspended at significantly higher rates than white students, even when controlling for other factors.
Students from low-income families are more likely to face suspension than their wealthier peers.

This disproportionate impact perpetuates inequalities and fuels the school-to-prison pipeline.

Academic Disadvantage and Increased Drop-Out Rates

Suspensions significantly impact academic progress. Missed school days due to suspension lead to:

Falling behind in coursework
Difficulty catching up with missed material
Reduced academic achievement
Increased likelihood of dropping out

Statistics consistently show a correlation between higher suspension rates and lower graduation rates, highlighting the detrimental academic consequences of this disciplinary approach.

Mental Health Implications

The emotional toll of suspension can be substantial. Students often experience feelings of:

Isolation
Shame
Resentment
Increased anxiety and depression

The lack of adequate support systems for suspended students exacerbates these negative mental health implications. The punitive nature of suspension, devoid of supportive interventions, can further damage a student's well-being.

Alternative Disciplinary Approaches and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Fortunately, there are alternative disciplinary approaches that prioritize support and rehabilitation over punishment.

Restorative Justice Practices

Restorative justice practices focus on repairing harm caused by misbehavior and building stronger relationships within the school community. Instead of suspensions, these practices might involve:

Mediation between the offender and the victim
Conflict resolution workshops
Community service projects
Restorative circles where students collaboratively address the issue

These methods promote accountability while fostering empathy and understanding.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a proactive approach to school discipline that emphasizes:

Clearly defined behavioral expectations
Positive reinforcement for good behavior
Tiered support systems to address escalating behavioral issues

Research strongly supports PBIS's effectiveness in reducing suspensions and creating a more positive school climate. By focusing on prevention and support, PBIS tackles the root causes of misbehavior, rather than simply reacting to problematic actions with punitive measures.

Re-evaluating School Suspensions – A Call for Change

This article has explored the complex issue of school suspensions, examining the arguments for and against their use. While maintaining order and safety in schools is crucial, the evidence overwhelmingly points to the negative impacts of suspensions, particularly their contribution to the school-to-prison pipeline and the academic disadvantages they inflict. We must move beyond simply asking "Are school suspensions a necessary evil?" and actively work towards creating safer, more equitable learning environments through alternative disciplinary strategies like restorative justice and PBIS. Let's advocate for changes in school discipline policies, fostering more supportive and inclusive schools where every student has the opportunity to thrive.