Parents and advocates urge board to end K–2 suspensions and ban seclusion, citing racial disparities

During the call to audience, a series of parents, advocates and educators urged the New Hanover County Schools board to change discipline practices for young learners, asking the district to reduce out-of-school suspensions for kindergarten through second grade, eliminate seclusion, and prioritize mental-health supports and restorative practices.

Speakers cited local data presented at the meeting showing 93 out-of-school suspensions for five- to seven-year-olds during the prior year, which represented 57 children; speakers said African-American children accounted for a disproportionate share of those suspensions (61% of K–2 suspensions while comprising about 16% of enrollment, according to a speaker’s statement). Commenters asked the board to revise Policy 43‑51 (short-term suspension policy) to make suspensions an absolute last resort and to explicitly require interventions and plans to address behavior and re‑engage students in learning.

Behavior specialists at the microphone described seclusion as an involuntary confinement practice that should be a last resort when used under the direction of a highly trained professional; they urged the board to ban seclusion entirely for traumatizing effects and lack of evidence that it reduces problem behavior. Several commentators connected discipline policy to broader resource issues and urged more counselors, teacher assistance in early grades, smaller class sizes, and better pay for staff to reduce teacher turnover.

Board members did not take immediate policy action during the meeting but heard repeated requests to revise Policy 43‑51, increase proactive supports, and to report back with specific plans. District staff present acknowledged the concerns and said administrators are implementing alternatives at school and district levels; speakers asked the board to make formal policy changes to ensure consistent practice across schools.