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Ensuring Fairness for Students Act
12/15/2023, 4:06 PM
Summary of Bill S 1017
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of guidelines for schools to follow when disciplining students. These guidelines are designed to ensure that students are treated fairly and that disciplinary actions are consistent and appropriate. The bill also aims to reduce the use of harsh disciplinary measures, such as suspensions and expulsions, which can disproportionately affect students of color and students with disabilities.
Additionally, the Ensuring Fairness for Students Act includes provisions to support positive behavior interventions and supports in schools. These interventions are aimed at promoting positive behavior and reducing the need for disciplinary actions. The bill also calls for increased training for school staff on effective discipline practices and strategies for creating a positive school climate. Overall, the Ensuring Fairness for Students Act seeks to promote fairness and equity in the education system by addressing issues of student discipline. By establishing guidelines for schools to follow, supporting positive behavior interventions, and providing training for school staff, the bill aims to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Congressional Summary of S 1017
Ensuring Fairness for Students Act
This bill requires educational institutions to implement a specified grievance process for investigating and adjudicating formal complaints of sexual harassment (i.e., Title IX claims). Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities, including in public elementary and secondary schools and in colleges and universities.
Among other elements, this grievance process must (1) provide both parties with a written notice of the allegation, an equal opportunity to select an advisor of each party's choice, and an opportunity to submit and review evidence throughout the investigation; (2) apply a presumption of innocence during the process; and (3) give both parties an equal opportunity to appeal.
