Vermont Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe is raising questions about a report saying tough school discipline often puts kids on a path that leads to prison later.
Holcombe told lawmakers that studies making the link often ask prisoners if they were ever suspended from school and find a strong overlap. She says an alternate study could look at all students who are suspended from school and likely would find a majority don't end up going to prison.
The Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee heard testimony on the issue Thursday. Committee Chairman Dick Sears says it's unclear if Vermont needs legislation to deal with the issue. But he says it's good to shine a light on the issues surrounding school discipline nonetheless.
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