K-2 expulsions could be banned under new IL plan

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois State Board of Education and some Democrat lawmakers hope to ban expulsions for any kids between kindergarten and second grade.

The only times an expulsion would be accepted is if it is required by state or federal law.

The bill would also restrict the school principal's ability to suspend a K-2 student who's breaking the rules. Under the plan, the principal would need approval from the district superintendent to suspend a K-2 child.

Advocates for the proposal said expulsions negatively impact minority and special needs kids. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, even though representing 16.5% of the state-wide school cohort, Black students make up 33% of all expulsions.

"Research does not show that expulsions removing five, six, seven year olds from that environment assists them at all," Kimako Patterson from ISBE said.

ISBE also says 44% of expulsions do not involve any violence, drugs or defiance, with many of these expulsions leading to kids eventually going down the "school-to-prison pipeline."

Opponents said that lawmakers shouldn't be limiting the school with more laws. Rather, they should give them more resources to support children, especially ones with special needs.

"A kindergartener punched a principal in the face on three separate occasions this year," Andrew Hains of Illinois Education Association said. "We do not need more restrictions with additional costs."

The long debate left many lawmakers uncertain of where their vote lies. Multiple representatives spoke to how they understand both sides of the argument.

"I'm a special needs mom," State Rep. Nicole La Ha (R-Lemont) said. "It horrifies me that kids can be without their services in an expulsion case, but making this a complete ban it's kind of a little nerve racking for me."

While the bill passed the committee on a partisan 10-5 vote, representatives from both sides urged that the plan return to committee for more questions.