The Detroit Public Schools Community District is revising its student code of conduct in order to keep more students in school after recording 16,000 suspensions last year.
The Detroit Free Press reports the initiative aims to be less punitive and more focused on teaching positive behavior and conflict resolution. The new code changes punishment guidance to address behavior through parent conferences or restorative practices.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says the district is also considering out-of-school suspension centers so students who must be removed from school can keep up with schoolwork with certified teachers. The centers won't be open for the upcoming school year but will be part of future planning.
Detroit Board of Education member Misha Stallworth says revamping the code is an important step toward "disrupting the school to prison pipeline."
