Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) has reached a settlement with New York Attorney General Letitia James following an investigation into the district’s disciplinary practices. The agreement includes reforms aimed at addressing disparities affecting students of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners, as identified by the Attorney General’s office. The settlement calls for a four-year collaboration with the OAG to restructure discipline policies and foster an educational environment where all students can feel safe and supported.
The district’s discipline system disproportionately affected minority students, particularly for minor infractions. Data showed that Black students were more than six times, and Latino students nearly four times, as likely as white students to receive out-of-school suspensions.
Under the new agreement, reforms include appointing an independent monitor and a Discipline Ombudsperson to oversee equitable implementation of discipline policies, as well as creating a Student Behavior Coordinator position at each school. BPS will also revise its Code of Conduct to replace vague language with clearer guidelines. In most cases, staff will be expected to try less severe interventions before applying formal disciplinary measures, as specified in the settlement.
The agreement also requires improved due process for students facing suspension, expanded alternative education options, and additional language support for families who do not speak English. Jessica Bauer Walker, founder and executive director of CoNECT, noted that the resolution addresses the impacts of disproportionate suspension practices on parents and students in Buffalo Public Schools.
BPS’s reforms also include improving the public discipline data dashboard for greater clarity and accuracy. Staff will receive training on legal requirements and restorative practices to support a positive learning environment. The district plans to engage with students and families through forums and school climate surveys to assess the impact of the changes. The measures aim to rebuild trust within the school community and reduce practices that contribute to students being pushed out of the classroom.
