(The Center Square) – McLean County Unit 5 submits a new discipline plan under state law after racial disparities are flagged. An Illinois state legislator says discipline should focus on behavior, not race.

Illinois law requires schools to report discipline data and for districts with high or disproportionate suspensions to create reduction plans. State Rep. Regan Deering (R-Decatur), a former teacher, calls the mandate an overreach by lawmakers.