Racial Bias in Schools
Though there are some disturbing trends in educational facilities, out-of-school suspensions for disciplining students of color are much more common than for white students.
The Black Lives Matter movement is a symbol of change.
Beyond merely recognizing the race problems in the U.S., we must be active, aware, and vocal. We need to acknowledge the biases and hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
“Zero-tolerance” policies criminalize minor infractions of school rules, while cops in school lead to students being criminalized for behavior that should be handled inside the school. Students of color are especially vulnerable to push-out trends and the discriminatory application of discipline.
Once a child becomes entangled in the criminal justice system, it becomes complicated for them to come out. Even when they do, it is with the addition of more scars. Humanity must seek to create a world where no group of people faces injustices, systemic racism, and inequity like those of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many other victims have faced.
Role of Humanity in Racial Discrimination
Understanding the people’s equal rights in the country is the first step towards the betterment of the system.
Many of the factors are responsible for disciplining students of color at increased rates. The racial bias from teachers is among the one.
It is a common notion that African American students are culpable and deserve punishments.
Thus, considering discipline as a method to deal with behavior issues poses long-term effects on students’ lives in many ways. Frequent missing from the class premises constrains the benefits of academic achievements.
The expulsion due to racism has acute consequences for students. Prior research reveals that such students have increased indulgence chances with the juvenile justice system and often suffer academically.
It is a fact that increasing drop-out rates in schools among all demographics make the students more likely of incarcerated. The suspended or expelled students are more likely to get incarcerated at some point in their lives.
Besides, exclusionary discipline practices are related to poor academic results.
Also, the suspended or expelled students have the likelihood to drop out and enter the criminal justice system.
Past research is clear on this point that students of color come across high disparate rates of exclusionary discipline.
Discriminatory treatment based on racial background causes emotional and psychological disturbances, learning disabilities, intellectual ailments, and other health-associated impairments.
There is pain deeply etched in the everyday experiences of rooted discrimination. The disparities are observable in the criminal or juvenile justice systems, social communities, and educational institutions.
Although the amendments are made in the policies and laws, implementation is not equally and appropriately applied.
To bring about changes, we need to evaluate our views and perspectives. It calls for the need to fight for injustice happening among the Black communities. All are equal. Justice is for all. Black community matters.