AG ​James today announced a major settlement with Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) to strengthen student safety, protect students’ rights, and overhaul disciplinary practices to improve educational outcomes. The settlement follows an extensive investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), which found that the district’s discipline system disproportionately impacted students of color, students with disabilities, English language learners, and families with limited English proficiency. Under today’s agreement, BPS must work with OAG for four years to reform its disciplinary policies and practices, update its public discipline reporting, and ensure families are treated fairly and in their preferred language.

“Every child deserves to feel safe and supported at school, and every family deserves to be heard and treated fairly. For too long, too many Buffalo students were denied that right. Today, we are taking a major step to bring accountability and justice to Buffalo Public Schools’ disciplinary system. My office will continue working to ensure all New York students have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.” – AG James