WASHINGTON, D.C. – Black students and other segments of learners are punished disproportionally in schools, a government watchdog says in a report.
According to an analysis by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) of Department of Education national civil rights data for school year 2013-14 (the most recent available), black students, boys, and students with disabilities were disproportionately disciplined (e.g., suspensions and expulsions) in K-12 public schools. These disparities were widespread and persisted regardless of the type of disciplinary action, level of school poverty, or type of public school attended. For example, Black students accounted for 15.5 percent of all public school students, but represented about 39 percent of students suspended from school — an overrepresentation of about 23 percentage points (see figure).
Students Suspended from School Compared to Student Population, by Race, Sex, and Disability Status, School Year 2013-14:
Officials GAO interviewed in all five school districts in the five states GAO visited reported various challenges with addressing student behavior, and said they were considering new approaches to school discipline. They described a range of issues, some complex—such as the effects of poverty and mental health issues. For example, officials in four school districts described a growing trend of behavioral challenges related to mental health and trauma. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the issues that influence student behavior, officials from all five school districts GAO visited were implementing alternatives to disciplinary actions that remove children from the classroom, such as initiatives that promote positive behavioral expectations for students.
Education and the Department of Justice (Justice) documented several actions taken to identify and address school discipline issues. For example, both agencies investigated cases alleging discrimination. Further, to help identify persistent disparities among the nation’s schools, Education collects comprehensive data on school discipline every other year through its Civil Rights
Data Collection effort.
Research has shown that students who experience discipline that removes them from the classroom are more likely to repeat a grade, drop out of school, and become involved in the juvenile justice system. Studies have shown this can result in decreased earning potential and added costs to society, such as incarceration and lost tax revenue. Education and Justice are responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in the administration of discipline in public schools.
GAO was asked to review the use of discipline in schools. To provide insight into these issues, this report examines (1) patterns in disciplinary actions among public schools, (2) challenges selected school districts reported with student behavior and how they are approaching school discipline, and (3) actions Education and Justice have taken to identify and address disparities or discrimination in school discipline. GAO analyzed discipline data from nearly all public schools for school year 2013-14 from Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection; interviewed federal and state officials, as well as officials from a total of 5 districts and 19 schools in California, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and Texas. We selected these districts based on disparities in suspensions for Black students, boys, or students with disabilities, and diversity in size and location. We also reviewed federal laws and a non-generalizable sample of seven recently resolved federal school discipline investigations (selected in part based on the type of alleged discrimination). We incorporated technical comments from the agencies as appropriate.
So are NOT the peaceful muzzys that have hoarded into Europe and destroyed those countries –
I have never been racist in my life. Until now. Ever since our new citizens from Detroit and Chicago came to MC our town has had way more crime, especially on the north end. They’re doing their best to ruin our once fine city. And they wonder why we want them gone. Our slum lords never have to worry about getting their rent checks, as our government (with our tax money) pays the rent. Why in the world would these people want to be anywhere else? They have it made. It’s just that simple.
its just like a few yrs ago, they did a study to find out why there is more blacks in prison then whites. they didn’t have to spend all that money to do that I could have told them easily, they commit more of the crimes and get caught more., its very simple
It all equals out – 13% of the population and 70% of all crimes – same as their welfare benefits. Not to worry the browns will soon outnumber them and MS13 has been known for their charity work.
Why don’t these comments surprise me?
Because it’s the truth, and you know it.
Or! You could do what the school/sheriff’s dept did in Parkland FL. – don;t put these peoples name on a police incident report – therefore CLEAN record so they can get a good job OR buy a gun at 18 – PS the ACLU AND NAACP were in on this criminal act also.
So. Blacks are more often disciplined than whites and boys more often than girls. Really! Whats next? A tax funded study revealing that poverty is disproportionally affecting poor people?
Oh, and can someone explain what this means to an old fart: “Black students and other segments of learners”? What the heck is a “learner”? Some sort of Orwellian NewSpeak for gang banger, or what?
That’s because they cause 75% of the trouble in school. It’s the same thing with prison.
Absolutely!