Study Finds Suspensions Cost the US $35 Billion Every Year

By Andrew Pillow

The UCLA Civil Rights project recently concluded their study into suspensions. They found that the US is out $35 billion every year due to suspensions.

This study measures the “total cost to society” of out of school suspensions. It looked at things like the likelihood of dropping out, and subsequent propensity to crime and public assistance.

The study found that the average fiscal cost per individual student was $163,340.

Interestingly enough, the report says that there is not really a discernible difference between in-school and out of school suspensions.  

The project does include suggestions on how to curb this problem, such as “Restorative Justice” practices.

This report comes at a time when Indianapolis Public Schools are aiming to lower their own suspension numbers… an effort that has not been without criticism.

Read the report here.