WEEK 2: EDUCATION

 TODAY'S CHALLENGE:
SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE

As individuals interested in learning more about racial equity, you’ve likely heard of the term “school-to-prison pipeline,” (if you haven’t check out this infographic made by the ACLU). Most notably this term is tied to the systems that funnel African American boys out of school and into prison at alarming rates.

Today we will learn more about how school disciplinary policies disproportionately affect black students, including black girls. Stereotypes and misperceptions, which view black girls as older, more mature and more aggressive, have led to a lesser-discussed trend, the "adultification" of black girls. 


WE CHALLENGE YOU TO TAKE...

Out of school suspensions have doubled since the 1970s and continue to increase even though juvenile crimes have continued to drop. Watch this quick video that explains the school-to-prison pipeline.
Across the country, black girls are six times more likely to be suspended than white girls. Check out this study to better understand how black girls are being pushed out of school.
By age 9, the behaviors of black girls are often seen as and treated more like adults than children. View this study on the erasure of black girls’ childhood, particularly pages 9-11, as it pertains to discipline in school. 
In this interactive data-set, you can plug in your school system and those around you to investigate whether there is racial inequality at your school.


EDUCATION WEEK ACTION ALERT

LEVEL 1 : Read this brief intro on school segregation and bring together a small group of colleagues, family or friends to participate in one of 6 interactive activities. 

LEVEL 2 :  Create a list of your top 5 favorites books, that you read in high school. Keep these in the back of your mind as you move through tomorrow's content. After reading the content, take a look at the authors of the books on your list and answer the following questions:
  • Is there any racial/ethnic diversity?
  • How did the list affect your viewpoint as a young pupil?
  • Create a list of 5 books you would add to the high school list that you feel all students should read.

LEVEL 3 : Write a letter to your local school board or attend your next school board meeting to bring up a big issue of concern. 

DID YOU KNOW? Only 9 percent of Foundation grants are allocated to communities of color.

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