In Washington state, Black students face a crisis of disproportionate discipline that demands urgent attention. In 2023, 6.4 percent of Black students were excluded from class, nearly double the statewide average of 3.5 percent.
This stark disparity is not a reflection of increased misbehavior but rather the result of subjective decisions and deeply embedded biases. Now, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is proposing permanent discipline rules for the 2025–26 school year that could widen this gap even further, jeopardizing the futures of Black students.
Washington state acknowledged this disparity in 2016 by banning long-term suspensions or expulsions for minor discretionary issues. As a result, out-of-school suspension rates have declined statewide. Yet, the gap persists. Black students continue to face harsher and more frequent disciplinary actions than their peers.
One troubling proposed change in the rule seeks to eliminate an explicit restorative practice relating to suspensions and expulsions. Specifically, the new rule would remove the requirement that schools exhaust alternative disciplinary measures before resorting to punitive actions such as short-term or in-school suspensions, long-term suspensions, or expulsions.
A potential harm
Let’s be clear, here: this harmful to all students, and Black students in particular.
The consequences could be dire:
- Disconnection from school communities
- Declines in academic performance
- Entrenchment of the school-to-prison pipeline
We stand at a critical juncture. Will these proposed permanent rules promote systemic success, educational engagement, and justice for Black students, or will they reinforce barriers that have held them back for far too long? As educators, policymakers, parents, and community members, we must scrutinize these proposed rules and advocate for policies that dismantle inequities rather than deepen them.
Our collective voice is not just necessary — it’s essential. Together, we can build an inclusive educational environment where every Black student has the opportunity to thrive.
The time to act is now.
Public comment on student discipline rules
OSPI is accepting written public comment and holding public hearings on the proposed changes to student discipline rules under under sections 392-190-048, 392-401-020, 392-401-040, and Chapter 392-400 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The goal is to collect input from the community on the specific language changes to to the codeWAC language.
Please review the proposed changes before submitting comments in writing or in-person at a public hearing. Check out the two-column, side-by-side comparison of the emergency rules and the proposed permanent rule changes to the code as well as the three-column side-by-side overview of the proposed changes between pre-existing discipline rules, emergency rules, and proposed permanent rules. OSPI also put out a notice about emergency discipline rules currently in effect.
Speak out at public hearings
Public hearings on hearings on the changes will be held across the state with two local opportunities to speak up. The first online hearing will be held March 4 starting at 10:00 a.m. Register here. On March 12, a hearing will start at 4 p.m. at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way.
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To learn more about Black Education Strategy Roundtable(BESR) and the organization’s four annual workshops educators, parents, students and community leaders four times a year to discuss, learn and plan key issues impacting the education of Black students in Washington State. Learn more online.
This article is an opinion piece (Op-Ed) and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Seattle’s Child. We encourage thoughtful debate and welcome a range of viewpoints. Readers who wish to submit their own Op-Ed for consideration can do so by emailing editor@seattleschild.com.
