The High HOPES (Healing Over the Punishment of Expulsions and Suspensions) Campaign is appealing to Chicago Public Schools to reform their current practice of suspension and expulsion on the basis of its proven negative effects on student performance and graduation. More than 40,000 CPS students were suspended and an additional 600 expelled during the 2008-2009 school year alone, many of which occurred for nonviolent behaviors. However, removal from school as a form of punishment proves detrimental to students, for absences increase the likelihood of failing classes and dropping out school, which further factors into high rates of unemployment and incarceration. CPS officially ended the “zero tolerance” disciplinary policy in 2007 and implemented Restorative Justice as a new philosophy; however the number of suspensions and expulsions continue to remain high as CPS neglects to enforce the new policy. The High HOPES Campaign thus has four goals for CPS:
- Reduce suspensions and expulsions by 40% next school year
- Implement Restorative Justice and other proven strategies particularly in schools with the highest numbers of suspensions and expulsions.
- Partner with community and parent organizations to implement Restorative Justice and other intervention strategies.
- Develop and provide accurate and timely performance measures of disciplinary actions to track the effectiveness of reaching this target goal.
The City Council will be considering a resolution for the High HOPES Campaign soon, so contact your alderman to show your support.
The High HOPES Campaign is affiliated with the Civic Action Network.
