Full Breakdown
Disproportionate Disciplinary Practices in Buffalo Public Schools
2/13/2026, 4:45:22 AM
Investigation Findings on Disciplinary Disparities
An investigation by New York State Attorney General Letitia James has revealed significant disparities in disciplinary practices within Buffalo Public Schools. The report indicates that students of color, particularly Black and Latino students, as well as students with disabilities, faced disproportionately higher rates of suspension compared to their white peers. Specifically, during the 2022–2023 school year, Black secondary students were over six times more likely to receive out-of-school suspensions than white students, while Latino secondary students were nearly four times more likely to be suspended.
The investigation, which analyzed suspension data from 2019 to 2023, found that Black students lost an average of 3.85 days of instructional time due to suspensions, while students with disabilities lost 4.33 days. In total, Black students accounted for 92,249 suspension days, Latino students for 25,247 days, and white students for 11,553 days. The report also highlighted that students with disabilities experienced suspensions for minor non-violent incidents, often without proper documentation, which constitutes an illegal informal suspension.
Settlement Agreement and Required Reforms
In response to the findings, Buffalo Public Schools has entered into a settlement agreement with the Attorney General's office. This agreement mandates the district to appoint an independent monitor and an ombudsperson for the next four years to oversee compliance with new disciplinary practices. The district is required to overhaul its code of conduct to eliminate vague terms and establish a framework prioritizing non-out-of-school suspensions.
Attorney General James emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child feels safe and supported in school, stating, “For too long, too many Buffalo students were denied that right.” The settlement aims to improve educational outcomes and protect students' rights, particularly for those from marginalized backgrounds.
Criticism and Community Response
Education advocates, including Samuel Radford III from the Buffalo Solutions Not Suspensions Coalition, have expressed concerns about the systemic issues within the district's disciplinary practices. Radford highlighted the tragic case of Jawaan Daniels, a student who was suspended for a minor infraction and subsequently murdered after being sent home unsupervised. This incident has fueled ongoing advocacy for reform in Buffalo's disciplinary system.
Radford noted that the district's failure to implement standard practices has put students at risk, and he hopes the new measures will foster better relationships between students and staff, ultimately leading to improved learning environments.
Official Statements and Future Actions
Buffalo Public Schools has acknowledged the settlement and expressed commitment to reducing suspensions through restorative practices. A district spokesperson stated that the agreement recognizes steps already taken to address these issues and aims to create a more conducive learning environment.
The Attorney General's office has committed to ongoing oversight to ensure that the reforms are effectively implemented, with regular reporting on the district's progress. The settlement represents a significant step towards addressing the inequities in the disciplinary practices of Buffalo Public Schools and ensuring fair treatment for all students.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every child deserves to feel safe and supported at school, and every family deserves to be heard and treated fairly,” — Letitia James, New York State Attorney General
- “We are grateful for the resolution that has been reached through the work of Attorney General James, as parents and students in Buffalo Public Schools who have been hurt and harmed by a system of excessive and disproportionate practices related to school suspension,” — Jessica Bauer Walker, Founder and Executive Director of CoNECT
- “I think what you'll see is better relationships between students and teachers and administrators.” — Samuel Radford III, Buffalo Solutions Not Suspensions Coalition
