Tell your senator that out-of-school suspension hurts students (and parents) that need the most support

Bad news: HB 2460 passed out of the AZ House and it's now moving to the Senate. This bill would allow charter and public schools to suspend students in kindergarten through fourth grade for up to two days for minor infractions.

Just two years ago, the ACLU collaborated with parents, lawmakers, and community partners to pass a bill that stops schools from abusing out-of-school suspension. Now, they need your help to discourage lawmakers from backtracking progress.

Tell your senator that out-of-school suspension hurts students that need the most support. Ask them to vote NO on House Bill 2460.

Reducing suspensions for children in kindergarten through fourth grade has made a real difference in the lives of Arizona children and their families. Take Erika Ovalle's story, for example.

"My 5-year-old son is an amazing student, but he struggles with social-emotional delays. Sadly, that got him kicked out of his first early education program, and his second program repeatedly sent him home even though they claimed to have the resources to support him. When he finally got to kindergarten, suspension was no longer an option because of recent law changes. That gave me time to advocate for the school to work with his needs, and now he's doing great."

Send your senator a message with Erika's story to remind them of the young children that HB 2460 would target.

TAKE ACTION

Even short-term suspensions hurt students and put a strain on the entire family. Urge your senator to oppose HB 2460.

-  action from the ACLU of Arizona