NASBE Statement on Federal Commission on School Safety Report

For Immediate Release: December 18, 2018
Contact: Renee Rybak Lang, renee.lang@nasbe.org, 703-740-4841

NASBE Statement on the Federal Commission on School Safety Report

Alexandria, Va. –   National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) President and CEO Kristen Amundson issued this statement on the final report of the Federal Commission on School Safety, and specifically, the Commission’s recommendation to rescind the Rethink Discipline guidance. 

“NASBE looks forward to engaging state board members in reviewing the extensive list of recommendations that the Federal Commission on School Safety issued today. NASBE members were actively involved in the commission’s hearings, which led to this report. We are confident that it will serve as a springboard for continued discussions about how to work effectively with local leaders to keep all students safe.

However, we do want to raise one cautionary note. State boards of education have been leaders in addressing discipline policies that disproportionately affect students based on race, ethnicity, family income, or special education status. Nonetheless, the existing federal guidance on discipline policies provides important guardrails for providing all students with equal educational opportunities and for helping school districts identify, avoid, and remedy discriminatory discipline. Thus, we oppose rescinding the Rethink Discipline guidance.”

For 60 years, NASBE has served as the only membership organization for state boards of education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.

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