A panel of experts convened by the United Nations has recommended changes to school discipline in the United States, including the removal of police from schools and equitable treatment of black youths.
The U.N. working group of experts on people of African descent visited a handful of American cities last month, hearing testimony from experts and advocacy groups about equity concerns in such areas as criminal justice, housing, and education. Among those testifying was a South Carolina student who was arrested for protesting her classmate’s violent arrest.
Included in the recommendations is a call to revisit school security policies and to abolish school policing. The group also urged the repeal of misdemeanor laws such as the “disturbing schools” law that led to the South Carolina student’s arrest; the prohibition of physical restraint and seclusion of students in schools; and more counseling for mental-health issues.
