New research highlights the enduring inequality in school discipline, finding that Black students are still disproportionately punished compared to their white counterparts. A systematic review by researchers at UC Berkeley utilized federal data from the U.S. Department of Education to analyze punishment rates in schools between 2017-2018 and 2020-2021. Despite policy changes intended to promote equity, findings reveal that Black students continue to face harsher disciplinary actions, which can harm their academic achievement and mental health. The data emphasizes the urgent need for more effective practices to address racial disparities in school discipline.
Black students were approximately 3.6 times more likely to be suspended out of school, 2.5 times more likely to be suspended in school, and 3.4 times more likely to be expelled compared to white students.
Despite implementing new policies, Black students still face consistent disproportionate punishment in schools, undermining efforts to create equitable educational environments.
This effect is damaging; punitive practices harm academic achievements, encourage defiance, and increase youth's risk of encountering the juvenile justice system.
The data indicates a persistent trend of racial disparities in school discipline, one that policy changes have yet to adequately address.
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