School Discipline Plan Proposed in N.Y.

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. George Pataki proposed a measure Monday that would give teachers the authority to banish students from classrooms for up to 10 days for violent behavior or simply for failing to follow an order.

Pataki also wants to give all school principals the authority to suspend disruptive students and double to 10 days the amount of time a student can be suspended without a hearing.

Leaders of the state Senate and Assembly said both houses are likely to take action this month on similar measures against school violence. Pataki, a Republican, had made the plan a centerpiece of his education policy this year, but he had not released details until Monday.

Pataki’s proposal defines disruptive students as those who carry a gun or threaten to use one, commit an act of violence or vandalism or refuse a request from a teacher or administrator to stop bad behavior.

Students would be given the chance to discuss the matter with the teacher before being banished and, in certain cases, parents could review the school’s decision.

Principals can now suspend students only if given authority by school boards or superintendents.