We are four MSW students who currently attend Lehman College in The Bronx of New York City. We are seeking support in petition signatures for our capstone project. We have been working to bring attention to the harmful effects that methods of control and punishment in New York City public schools have had on the children of our communities and bring attention to how it resembles the criminal justice system in relation to juvenile detention and correctional facilities. Some people will call it the “school to prison pipeline.”

The Department of Education (DOE), Mayor De Blasio and Chancellor Carmen Fariña are all stock holders in this matter and could serve to be the motivating forces we need to change current circumstances. In creating this petition, we hope to bring attention to this matter and potentially start change in the direction of new review processes for suspensions in regards to insubordination, purposing restrictions on handcuffing students, and expanded training for the city’s School Safety Agents. We are also advocating for Students who are pushed along the pipeline and are finding themselves in juvenile detention facilities, many of which provide few, if any, educational services.

Our research conducted has concluded that students of color are far more likely than their white peers to be suspended, expelled, or arrested for the same kind of offenses conducted at schools. Students with disabilities are particularly likely to travel down this pipeline as well. In response to mounting pressure that city officials have faced to further revamp its discipline code given the disproportionate suspension rates of Black and Hispanic students and students with disabilities, which city officials have previously indicated they are committed to improving and bringing change to these circumstances, but sadly have yet to take any action. We have created this petition in search to bring attention and advocacy to this matter and urge you to do the same by signing this petition as a start.

If you would like to be part of this change Please sign this petition. Thanks in advance.

Sincerely

Amanda Vilaseca, MSW Candidate

David Ortiz, MSW Candidate

Fatima Abdul-Azim, Candidate

Wianna Frias, MSW Candidate