S.1338 - Ending Punitive, Unfair, School-based Harm that is Overt and Unresponsive to Trauma Act of 2025; Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1338, the Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2025, aims to reduce exclusionary discipline practices in schools. The bill seeks to strengthen data collection on disciplinary actions, eliminate discriminatory practices, and prevent the 'pushout' of students, particularly students of color and those with disabilities. It also establishes a grant program to support schools in implementing alternative disciplinary practices and a joint task force to address the pushout of girls of color.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would lead to changes in school discipline policies and practices nationwide. Schools would be incentivized to adopt less punitive and more supportive approaches to student behavior. Increased data collection and reporting requirements would also enhance transparency and accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced discriminatory discipline practices, leading to more equitable outcomes for students of color, LGBTQI+ students, and students with disabilities.
- Increased use of trauma-informed services and positive behavioral interventions, creating safer and more supportive school environments.
- Decreased loss of instructional time due to suspensions and expulsions.
- Improved data collection and reporting on disciplinary actions, enabling better monitoring and evaluation of school discipline policies.
- Increased funding for schools to implement alternative disciplinary practices and support services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs associated with implementing new disciplinary practices and training staff.
- Possible resistance from some school officials and communities who prefer traditional disciplinary approaches.
- Challenges in accurately collecting and reporting data on sensitive issues such as sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Risk of unintended consequences if alternative disciplinary practices are not implemented effectively.
- Potential for increased administrative burden on schools due to new reporting requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with constitutional principles of equal protection under the law, as it seeks to address discriminatory discipline practices. It also supports the general welfare by promoting positive educational outcomes for all students. The emphasis on data collection and transparency aligns with principles of accountability and due process. However, some may argue that the federal government's involvement in local school discipline policies could raise concerns about federalism and the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).