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By Deborah J. Vagins, ACLU Washington Legislative Office Note: This blog post originally appeared on the National ACLU Blog of Rights. That post can be found here. The Department of Justice and Department of Education announced today what we have known to be true for a long time: yes, race discrimination in school discipline is a real problem. At an event with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Attorney General Eric Holder, the Departments jointly announced the release of this long awaitedfederal school discipline guidance. Secretary Duncan stated: Positive discipline policies can help create safer learning environments without relying heavily on suspensions and expulsions. Schools also must understand their civil rights obligations and avoid unfair disciplinary practices.