Welcome to the new Dignity in Schools Campaign listserv!

We are very pleased to announce the launch of www.dignityinschools.org, a website created to share information on the problem of pushout and to promote alternatives to a culture of zero-tolerance, punishment and removal in our schools. The website includes:

The Resources on Pushout section of the website has a searchable database of research studies, news articles, advocacy reports, how-to guides, websites and other resources on pushout and positive alternatives.

• Pushout Factors – research on factors leading to pushout and dropout, including zero-tolerance discipline, high stakes testing, inadequate special education services, etc.

• Human Rights Approach – information on a human rights approach to school policy based on standards of dignity, equality, and the full development of the child

• Policy Alternatives – research-based models for positive approaches to discipline and preventing pushout, including positive behavior support models, restorative practices, student and parent participation, etc

• Advocacy Strategies – examples of successful organizing, legal, legislative and school-based strategies for combating pushout at the local level

The website has a compilation of resources for youth, parents and educators, including:

• Youth produced films
• Lesson plans
• Know your rights materials
• Guides for advocacy in your community
• Links to community based organizations
• Research carried out by parents and youth

If you have articles, reports, know your rights materials, or other on-line resources that we can add to the website, please email Liz Sullivan.

The website also has information on our active campaign projects and materials.

May 8, 12pm EST Action Update Call - Join us to hear updates on our recent activities, share your feedback with the core group, and take a tour of the new website! Contact Rosa Hirji to RSVP.

• Teleconference Series – The DSC organizes national teleconference calls to discuss and debate issues impacting pushout, ranging from charter schools in New Orleans, to federal legislation for alternatives to suspension.
  May 15, 12pm EST Working Group Call - Help plan our next national tele-conference call on the impact of pushout on immigrant students. Contact Lori Turner to RSVP.

• PBIS Campaign – The DSC is taking action to support Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) as one of several successful models for school discipline.
  May 29, 12pm EST PBIS Working Group Call - Contact Rosa Hirji to RSVP.

• National Conference – The DSC is planning a national working conference on pushout and human rights to take place in 2009 in Chicago, IL.
  June 2, 3pm EST Conference Planning Call - Contact Monica Llorente to RSVP.

• Research Group – The DSC compiles research and information for our website and develops advocacy materials. To get involved contact Lis Sullivan.

Visit the website to learn about membership and get involved in the campaign. The DSC has a Core Group that oversees the project, Working Group Members that help shape our work and participate in our ongoing projects, and Allied Organizations that believe in and support the campaign.

Core Group Members:
Rosa Hirji, Chair of Education Subcommittee, Children’s Rights Litigation Committee, American Bar Association
Monica Llorente, Children & Family Justice Center, Northwestern School of Law
Rodney Skager, Professor Emeritus, UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies
Liz Sullivan, National Economic and Social Rights Initiative
Lori Turner, ACLU of Illinois

We want to thank all of our Working Group members and student interns that helped develop the content for the website.A special thank you to Erik Norton at Nelson Mullins for his support and to Wingard Graphics - www.wingardgraphics.com - for donating their time to design the website.

The Dignity in Schools Campaign (DSC) challenges the systemic problem of pushout in our nation's schools and advocates for every child’s right to education and to be treated with dignity.  The DSC unites policy advocates, parent and student organizers, educators and lawyers in a campaign to promote local and national alternatives to a culture of zero-tolerance, punishment and removal.