Disproportionate Discipline of Black Girls in the Education System

Abstract

This article details how disproportionate discipline of Black girls in schools causes lifelong educational, physical, psychological, and economic harm. Using existing literature, this memo traces the roots of the problem back to racist stereotypes and the subsequent implementation of zero tolerance policies. This memo focuses on an analysis of three potential solutions that have received prominent attention in recent years: providing implicit bias training, abolishing zero tolerance policies, and removing resource officers from schools. These were then evaluated based on effectiveness, equity, and feasibility to arrive at recommendations for the National School Boards Association. Additionally, this memo includes a brief overview of solutions that can complement the recommendation, as well as an alternative to the rejected solution.