"I think that schools need to throw out the assumption that young people are all dangerous or a threat. They must work to understand the issues that students face every day whether it’s problems at home, learning difficulties, language barriers, experiencing bullying and discrimination. To accomplish this shift, both my high school and Chicago Public Schools need to prioritize training for teachers, students, staff, administration and parents ahead of this overemphasis on “zero tolerance” and school policing. Suspension and expulsion for non-violent offenses really do dismantle a student’s future."