Pushing Kids Towards Success vs. Pushing Them Out of School

The “school-to-prison pipeline” refers to the policies and practices that push children, especially our most at-risk children, out of classrooms and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This practice has been fueled by zero tolerance policies, the presence of police officers in schools, and under-resourced academic settings. These excessive practices have resulted in the suspensions, expulsions, and arrests of of millions of public school students, especially students with histories of abuse and neglect, those who are poor, students of color, those with disabilities or who identify as LGBT. The interruption of education is detrimental for long-term success. It is costing the success of future generations and our communities.  On this episode of Spotlight on Youth, guests will discuss this alarming national trend, why it is harmful, and what jurisdictions are doing to address it.

Guests:
Rebecca Ballard DiLoreto, Kentucky Litigation & Policy Director, Children’s Law Center, Inc.
Dennis Parker, Director, Racial Justice Program, American Civil Liberties Union
Brea L. Perry, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Indiana University