Problem
The New York City Department of Education allows students to be suspended for up to 180 school days. Mayor de Blasio has set a goal of making New York City “the fairest big city in America,” but as long as our schools suspend black students at nearly five times the rate they suspend white students, New York City cannot know justice

Solution
1. Mayor De Blasio and Chancellor Carranza need to cap suspensions at 10 days for level 3 infractions, 15 days for level 4 infractions, and 20 days for level 5 infractions

2. The City Council needs to negotiate a budget that further prepares educators to de-escalate situations instead of resorting to suspension; because our schools are obligated to educate children, not punish them as vehicles of retribution

Personal story
OFENY is a coalition of community members, educators, and leaders who organize through social and political action to demand equity for the children of New York