Pittsburgh public schools ban out-of school suspensions for youngest students

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh public schools are making history.

The district has become the first in the state to ban suspensions of students in pre-kindergarten through second grade for non-violent offenses.

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Activists have been calling on the members of the school board to make the change for months.

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Dr. Claire Cohen, a child psychiatrist, said there are better solutions for young people.

“Solutions that work and that we know that work. I'm really asking the school board to think about what’s in the best interest of children," Cohen said.

Activists claim suspensions disproportionately affect minority students.

Our news partners at TribLive.com report the school board voted 7-2 to approve the measure despite 32 school principals being opposed to the new policy.

The policy will go into effect with the new school year.

Cox Media Group