The State Senate passed Senator Dave Cortese’s legislation to incorporate restorative justice principles into school expulsion hearings.
Senate Bill (SB) 1445 will enable school districts and charter schools to permit their student board members to provide restorative justice recommendations to the larger board on expulsion cases. The bill represents an important step towards reaffirming California’s approach to student discipline to be more inclusive, empathetic, and effective.
“SB 1445 recognizes the invaluable perspectives students bring to discussions on discipline and safety,” said Senator Cortese (D-San Jose). “By involving students in the school expulsion process, we aim to create a school system that not only corrects behavior but also heals and strengthens our school communities.”
Under existing law, student members of school governing boards are excluded from the expulsion hearing process. SB 1445 will allow student representatives to offer their insights and make recommendations for restorative justice options to school board members before their closed session. Such recommendations prioritize reconciliation and community healing over punitive action.
Restorative justice practices have proven beneficial, emphasizing accountability, making amends, and addressing the needs of all affected parties. By involving student board members in the expulsion process, SB 1445 ensures that the student body’s voice is heard, fostering a more understanding and supportive school environment.
Senator Cortese is dedicated to expanding restorative justice programs that protect at-risk youth and guide them away from the criminal justice system and into productive and fulfilling lives. In 2011, as a Santa Clara County Supervisor, he established the Santa Clara County Peer Court. Under Peer Court, juries composed of teenage peers judge low-level juvenile offenders facing their first misdemeanor charges. Peer Court has proven to be a cost-effective method of advancing restorative justice while allowing young people to avoid an official delinquency record from the traditional juvenile justice system.
SB 1445 is sponsored by the California Association of Student Councils.
Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses most of San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov
Editors Note – Related Stories
- Nov 1, 2023 – Survey Seeks Input on Restorative Justice Practices in Contra Costa County
- Oct 10, 2023 – Gov. Newsom Signs Bill to Bar Willful Defiance Suspensions
- Sept. 7, 2023 – Willful Defiance Suspension Bill Passes State Assembly
