After several years of community action trying to get New York State’s second-largest public school to change its policy and practices surrounding when students are suspended and removed from school, a new order from the Empire State’s chief law enforcement officer is now forcing a change.
In a press release on Thursday, February 12, 2026, New York State Attorney General Letitia James released the results of a several-year-long investigation into a long-standing practice of the Buffalo Public Schools disproportionately suspending students of color and students with disabilities.
Every child deserves to feel safe and supported at school, and every family deserves to be heard and treated fairly… For too long, too many Buffalo students were denied that right. Today, we are taking a major step to bring accountability and justice to Buffalo Public Schools’ disciplinary system. My office will continue working to ensure all New York students have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive. -Letitia James, New York State Attorney General…