Suspension Is Never an Intervention: Building Effective School Discipline to Address Systemic Inequities

Suspension Is Never an Intervention is a comprehensive guide for developing equitable, evidence-based discipline policies that promote a positive school climate while addressing systemic inequities that affect marginalized students. School-based mental health professors have long noticed the disproportionate disciplinary practices imposed on African American students, special education students, and other marginalized and minoritized populations, making accessible alternatives more important than ever. Geared toward school psychologists, counselors, and social workers in training and in the field, this book challenges traditional punitive measures – especially suspension – as ineffective responses to student behavioral issues, instead offering restorative, proactive, and data-driven strategies for fostering academic and social-emotional success. Chapters align closely with Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) frameworks as well as trauma-informed and anti-racist practices, aiming to equip educators and administrators with tools for impactful, supportive school discipline that avoids perpetuating systemic disadvantages and adverse outcomes. Read more