Buffalo School District Hit with Landmark Discipline Reform Deal

New York – In a groundbreaking move to address systemic injustices in education, New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a landmark agreement with Buffalo Public Schools (BPS). The deal comes after an extensive investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) uncovered significant disparities in disciplinary practices that disproportionately impacted students of color and those with disabilities.

The OAG’s investigation revealed that Black and Latino students were suspended at much higher rates than their White counterparts, particularly for minor infractions like tardiness. Students with disabilities also faced excessive suspension rates, often without proper documentation or due process. The agreement mandates BPS to reform its disciplinary system, including the appointment of an independent monitor and a discipline ombudsperson.

Attorney General James emphasized that every child deserves a safe and supportive educational environment. ‘For too long, Buffalo students were denied their rights,’ she said. ‘This settlement is a major step toward accountability and justice.’

BPS serves approximately 27,000 students, with nearly 90 percent from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The district’s failure to provide fair discipline policies has potentially detrimental effects on the academic success and well-being of its students.

The reforms will include strengthening due process, expanding language access for non-English speaking families, and improving transparency in disciplinary actions. BPS is required to work with OAG for four years to implement these changes effectively.

This historic agreement underscores the commitment of the New York Attorney General’s office to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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