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Children should have the right to safe, affirming and inclusive schools. To uplift Banned Books Week and to honor LGBTQ+ History Month, support young people’s freedom to read, learn and build a just future.

School policies that include harsh punishments, automatic out-of-class time and police involvement for discipline contribute to pushing young people out of classrooms and into the criminal legal system. These punitive practices disproportionately affect Black and other children of color, students with disabilities, young people experiencing poverty and children from communities that have been historically marginalized. Urgent change is needed to end school pushout and dismantle this school-to-prison pipeline.

This back-to-school season, educators, parents and caregivers can commit to partnering to support all young people. A nurturing school culture that prioritizes well-being along with learning is essential for keeping children in school and ending pushout — a critical step in dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. Building and sustaining relationships in nurturing ways can help to create the sense of safety and support young people need for learning. The effectiveness of these practices increases when combined with strong family, school and community partnerships.