Sen. Cortese's Statement on Passage of SB 1445 - Restorative Justice Expulsion Hearings

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following statement regarding the California Assembly’s approval of his Senate Bill 1445 (SB 1445), which now advances to the Governor’s desk for signing and adoption. SB 1445 would uplift students’ voices as part of their peers’ school expulsion hearings. Specifically, this would empower school district student board members by allowing them to receive limited case information regarding a student’s expulsion proceedings and allowing them to make restorative justice recommendations to the larger school board during its deliberation. This restorative justice approach to student expulsion hearings ensures that the student perspective is considered as part of the school community without direct involvement in the confidential hearing process.   

“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 through this restorative justice measure."

“The California Association of Student Councils (CASC) is proud to sponsor SB 1445. Since its establishment in 1947 by the California Department of Education, CASC has been dedicated to empowering student voices and creating a platform for legislative advocacy. This bill, emerging directly from students all around California at CASC’s Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education (SABLE) conference, aims to create a more supportive and understanding educational environment by focusing on resolution rather than punitive measures,” said Lawrence Kim, Governmental Affairs and Policy Director for CASC.  “Through representation of the State’s six million students and each of their voices, this bill has come to life and will now effect change in hundreds of school districts around California.”

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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