217 Today: Rockford school district changes code of conduct to reduce expulsion rates

By Owen Henderson and Sydney Wood
April 11, 2023

Photo: Peter Medlin/WNIJ

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Today’s headlines:

Faculty and staff at three Illinois universities are on strike while they negotiate for better wages and hours.
State lawmakers are looking to strengthen protections for patients at state-operated mental health facilities.
The state’s economy continues to grow, but slowly.
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together in their faith and strengthen their relationship with God.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll hear how a public school system with one of the highest expulsion and suspension rates changed its code to try to keep more students in class.

217 Today is produced by Sydney Wood. Reporting today contributed by Emily Hays, Camryn Cutinello, Jim Meadows, Mae Antar and Peter Medlin.

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