The problem persists, but we must be the change agents!
National and Local Efforts, what we can do
Build Awareness Educate law makers, school officials, parents, and community members about the negative impact that suspensions and expulsions have on students, specifically minority children. Informing communities about the ineffectiveness of low and zero tolerance polices at reducing misbehavior and making schools safer.
Advocate for Change Know which legislators represent your district as well as those legislators who are active in education and juvenile justice issues.
Currently, Washington state does not have a system to collect data correlating school discipline and race and ethnicity. In 2008, the Washington legislature failed to pass a bill that would mandate districts collect data related to school discipline.
Districts that do collect data, shows that youth of color are disproportionately disciplined and disciplined more harshly than their white peers.
Advocate for Change Know which legislators represent your district as well as those legislators who are active in education and juvenile justice issues.
Currently, Washington state does not have a system to collect data correlating school discipline and race and ethnicity. In 2008, the Washington legislature failed to pass a bill that would mandate districts collect data related to school discipline.
Districts that do collect data, shows that youth of color are disproportionately disciplined and disciplined more harshly than their white peers.