SPRINGFIELD – All too often, students of color feel the brunt of being expelled or suspended from school, rather than being provided restorative approaches to help with their emotional and mental health – a phenomenon Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is fighting to change.

“Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We’re continuing to move toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school.”

Expulsion of students in kindergarten through second grade would not be permitted under Lightford’s measure. Additionally, pre-k through second graders would not be able to be suspended without the principal receiving written or verbal consent from the district superintendent.

Research from the University of Chicago using data from Chicago Public Schools shows that restorative practices are effective in reducing not only suspension and expulsion but also student arrests. As reported by Chalkbeat in 2019, early exclusion from school can trigger “a domino effect of negative interactions between schools and families,” increasing the risk of future exclusions and setting a child on the path of the so-called school-to-prison pipeline.

The measure builds upon Lightford’s previous work – Senate Bill 100 from the 99th General Assembly – which addressed the frequency and racial disparity of suspensions and expulsions by limiting their use, creating policies that re-engage students and avoiding interrupting a student’s learning as much as possible.

“I am tired of seeing our children set up for failure at a young age. Kicking them out of school doesn’t give them what they need to succeed – but our education system can be what changes their course,” Lightford said. “This measure becoming law would be a victory for our entire state and for every child in search of a bright future and an excellent education.”

House Bill 3772 passed the Senate Saturday.

I helped spearhead the effort for Senate Resolution 37 to officially designate February 28 as Black Women's History Month in Illinois. This date intentionally connects the nationally recognized Black History Month in February with Women's History Month in March. This connection emphasizes the unique intersectionality of being both Black and a woman.

Know your options before choosing your next driver’s license or state ID card! Beginning May 7, Illinois residents who fly domestically will be required to use a valid U.S. passport or obtain a REAL ID. Visit REALID.ilsos.gov to figure out what option is right for you and book your appointment.