This bill creates a new advisory commission focused on making schools fairer and healthier for students of color. The commission will be run jointly by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, bringing together government officials, experts, and student advocates to tackle racial disparities in school discipline.

The core problem the bill addresses is that students of color, particularly Black students, face harsher punishments in school than white students for similar behavior—often due to bias in how discipline policies are applied. The commission will develop guidelines and training materials to help schools use restorative justice practices instead of traditional punishment. Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships rather than simply punishing misbehavior. The commission will also work to improve mental health services in schools and recommend better ratios of counselors and psychologists to students, ensuring these services are culturally responsive and accessible.

The commission will include up to 13 members, including representatives from various government offices, organizations focused on student mental health and restorative justice, education experts, and importantly, students of color and their family members. Over five years, the commission will track progress, distribute training materials to schools, and submit annual reports to Congress documenting whether these efforts reduce racial disparities in school discipline and improve student mental health support.