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Students urge Lynn schools to replace punitive discipline with restorative, trauma‑informed approaches
Summary
Multiple student speakers at open mic urged the school committee to adopt restorative and trauma‑informed discipline policies, to treat suspensions as last resort (citing Policy 37H), and to include impacted students in shaping policy.
At the public-comment portion of the meeting, four young people from Speak Up for Youth asked the committee to prioritize restorative, trauma-informed discipline and to include student voices in policy design. "Schools need to rethink their disciplinary policies," said Kenna Jolaba, recounting a friend who was ultimately expelled and saying that punishment had cut off access to help.
Rachel Washington described how a teacher's check-in, rather than immediate punishment, helped her re-engage with school. "There is almost always a story behind the behavior," she said, asking the committee to require more training for staff to recognize trauma and to create regular channels for students to advise on discipline policies.
Speakers referenced Policy 37H and asked the committee to ensure suspensions are used as a last resort, to expand training, and to meet with youth organizers to explore state funding for mental-health services. Committee members responded courteously and said they would follow up with staff and administration about next steps and opportunities to meet.
The student presentations were prominently cited later in the meeting during the community-schools discussion and United Way presenters said the community‑school model helps address nonacademic barriers that drive disciplinary incidents.
