ACLU Of Washington Sues State Over Discipline Of Special Education Students

On June 8, 2017, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Washington sued the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) over discipline policies for special education students that result in twice as many suspensions and expulsions than general education students. Special education students make up just 14% of enrolled students statewide, yet they comprise nearly 30% of suspended and expelled students. The disparity exists across nearly all of Washington’s 295 school districts. State data indicates that the disparity in suspensions and expulsions has increased between 2012 and 2015. During the 2012-2013 school year, special education . . .