The New York City Department of Education's embrace of 'woke' disciplinary practices has sparked a paradoxical situation. While student suspensions have decreased, serious assaults have surged, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these alternative methods. The data reveals a troubling trend: 9,193 suspensions from July to December 2025, an 8.3% decrease from the previous year, but a 5% increase in 109 serious assaults compared to 2024. This shift towards restorative justice practices, which aim to mediate and resolve conflicts, has faced criticism for its lack of long-term impact on student behavior.
The city's investment in restorative justice programs, amounting to over $100 million since 2015, has been questioned by experts like Jennifer Weber from the Manhattan Institute. Weber argues that these programs fail to address the root causes of behavioral issues, as they discourage consequences and focus on mediation. This approach, she suggests, is ineffective in altering student behavior.
Linda Quarles, a member of the Brooklyn Citywide Council on High Schools, shares similar concerns. She believes that the current system fails to address bullying and other serious issues, as students may avoid facing their bullies, perpetuating the problem. The criticism highlights a potential flaw in the restorative justice model, which may not adequately address the needs of students in crisis.
Despite the increase in assaults, overall crime in city schools has decreased, as evidenced by a 707-weapons reduction and a 264-crime decline in the first half of the school year. However, the shift towards restorative justice practices and the decrease in suspensions have raised questions about the city's approach to student discipline. The challenge lies in finding a balance between maintaining a safe learning environment and effectively addressing behavioral issues, a task that requires careful consideration and potentially a reevaluation of current strategies.
