Millions of America's kids are back in school.

For most of them, that means learning online, at least part of the time, and maybe being

in the real classroom a few days a week.

And for many of these kids and their working parents, this new routine can be an overwhelming

situation.

When schools went remote back in the spring because of coronavirus, school discipline went

remote too.

To zoom in the classroom, we're now hearing about Zoom's suspensions, where kids aren't

allowed to log in for a period of time.

There are virtual visits to the principal's office, and in Chicago, principals now have

the power to temporarily block a student's access to email and all online programs if the

student creates, quote, an unsafe learning environment.

In the actual classroom, there are new rules and new discipline for not wearing a mask,

or some schools intentionally coughing or sneezing on somebody else.

Of course, schools need structure and rules and consequences to make sure the classroom

is a place for learning, where all kids and teachers can feel safe and respected even

when the learning is remote.

But data from the federal Department of Education from before coronavirus show that students

of color are more likely to face school discipline and harsher punishment even when the

infractions are the same.

Black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled compared to white

students.

...