SPRINGFIELD – A 2012 study found that Illinois suspends more African-American students than any other state in the U.S., including a Black-White suspension disparity that is the highest in the country. To address this all-too-apparent problem and the overall frequency of out-of-school discipline, a new law that recently went into effect will help to ensure that all students are in school and off the streets as much as possible.

“Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom,” said Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, sponsor of the successful legislation. “We’re moving toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school.”

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