Ohio House Passes Controversial Bill Allowing Extended Student Expulsions
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio House has passed House Bill 206, allowing school districts to expel students posing an "imminent and severe endangerment" to safety for up to 180 school days, with potential extensions. The bill received a 65-15 vote and will now be considered by the Ohio Senate.
Introduced by State Reps. Gary Click and Monica Robb Blasdel, H.B. 206 is designed to provide greater flexibility for schools regarding the expulsion of dangerous students. Supporters argue that this flexibility enhances safety for students and staff, enabling school administrators to implement tailored re-entry plans that could include mental health evaluations. The bill defines threatening behaviors that warrant expulsion, such as possessing firearms, making bomb threats, or voicing serious threats.
"This legislation prioritizes safety," Click stated, emphasizing the need for schools to assess a student’s rehabilitation before reinstatement. However, opponents, predominantly Democrats, raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on marginalized students. House Minority Leader Allison Russo highlighted that children of color could be disproportionately affected, citing a report indicating Black male students face significantly higher suspension and expulsion rates compared to their white peers.
Organizations such as the Ohio Poverty Law Center express caution, stating the bill grants excessive discretion to school officials, which could lead to indefinite expulsions. They advocate for a more balanced approach that safeguards students’ rights while ensuring a safe educational environment.
As the bill moves to the Senate, stakeholders await discussions that weigh student safety against fair educational practices, particularly for at-risk demographics. Failure to pass the bill by year’s end will render it inactive, necessitating reintroduction in the next General Assembly.
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