ELC AND ACNJ RELEASE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ADVOCACY GUIDE FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS
A new advocacy guide, “School Discipline in New Jersey: A Toolkit for Students, Families and Advocates,” has been released by Education Law Center (ELC) and the Association for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ). The guide provides comprehensive and practical information to assist New Jersey students affected by school discipline policies.
The toolkit is designed to help advocates improve their school district’s approach to discipline, connect with other families and organizations working on changing school discipline, and become more informed about protecting student rights. Well-informed students, families, educators and community stakeholders can use this information to advocate for fair disciplinary practices in their schools and districts.
“The importance of fair school discipline policies cannot be overstated,” said ELC Senior Attorney Elizabeth Athos. “We hope that the publication of this toolkit will improve understanding of school district obligations and student rights in this critical area.”
Ms. Athos added that the guide is based on New Jersey state law and said, “While a school’s code of conduct can give students more rights than what is described, it cannot give them fewer.”
The guide was written by Shira Baron, former Equal Justice Works fellow at ELC, and Ariana Fink, former Rutgers Law School fellow.
The publication can be accessed on ELC’s website along with other advocacy guides on such topics as special education, discipline, residency, homeless students, bullying and transition planning.
Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Policy and Outreach Director
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x24
Press Contact:
Sharon Krengel
Director of Policy, Strategic Partnerships and Communications
skrengel@edlawcenter.org
973-624-1815, x240