Definition: The term "school-to-prison pipeline" refers to the process by which students, particularly black students, are funneled from schools into the criminal justice system.
Origins: Began in the 1990s with zero tolerance policies in schools as a response to fears about crime.
Zero Tolerance Policies
Mandates: Automatic suspensions and expulsions for specific violations.
Scope: Included minor infractions such as talking back or uniform violations.
Impact: Doubling of out-of-school suspensions since the 1970s, despite decreasing juvenile crime rates.
Increase in Police Presence
Statistics: Number of full-time police officers in schools increased by a third from 1997 to 2007.
Initial Purpose: To prevent mass school shootings (e.g., Columbine).
Effect: Schools outsource discipline to police.
Arrests and Racial Disparities
Arrest Rates: Schools with officers have five times more arrests for "disorderly conduct."
Racial Disparities: Schools with over 50% black students are more likely to have police, not necessarily due to higher crime rates.
Statistics:
One in six public school students are black, yet they account for one in three arrests.
Black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled compared to white students.
Preschool Disparities
Statistics: 18% of preschoolers are black, but they make up 48% of preschool suspensions.
Behavior and Punishment
Disparities:
Black and white students sent to the principal at similar rates, but black students receive harsher punishments.
White students suspended for tangible offenses, black students for subjective reasons.
Consequences of Suspensions
Long-term Effects: Suspended students are more likely to drop out and get arrested.
Federal Stance: Schools are encouraged to use suspension and expulsion as last resorts.
Restorative Justice
Example: Oakland, California public schools implementing restorative justice.
Process: Conflict resolution through counselor-led discussions rather than punishment.
Results: Decrease in chronic absenteeism and increase in graduation rates in schools adopting this approach.
Conclusion
Policy Changes: Other cities and districts are exploring new policies to prevent schools from pushing students into the criminal justice system.