Student discipline bill moves forward in Nebraska Legislature
Measure would reinstate schools’ ability to suspend young students for violent behavior
LINCOLN, Neb. — A bill that would allow Nebraska schools to suspend students in kindergarten through second grade for violent behavior advanced to the final round of debate Tuesday morning.
LB 653, introduced by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, would reinstate a school district’s ability to suspend young students for what the school determines are violent incidents.
Murman said schools are seeing increasingly serious behavioral issues, even among younger children, and need tools to maintain classroom safety.
“If the school does suspend a young student, they must have an opportunity to meet with the parents or guardians and develop a plan for moving forward,” Murman said. “This was the system that was supported by school boards, administrators, social workers and a number of individual school districts.”
An amendment added by Sen. George Dungan allows parents or guardians to request a conference with the school to discuss the reasons for a suspension.
Opponents argued the bill could have unintended consequences. Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha said reinstating suspensions for younger students could worsen disparities and contribute to what critics describe as the school-to-prison pipeline.
McKinney warned the policy could disproportionately impact Black students, particularly young boys, and said lawmakers should focus instead on addressing root causes of behavioral issues.
“We’re just going to see a rise in Black boys being suspended,” McKinney said. “And then people are going to ask what we’re going to do about it, but nothing is going to change.”
The bill also includes a provision requiring school districts that accept a student through Nebraska’s school choice program to also accept that student’s siblings, including those with special education needs.
LB 653 advanced to the final round of debate on a 28-7 vote.