Preschool Suspensions: Addressing Disproportional Discipline Practices

The school-to-prison pipeline is a national problem that disproportionately affects students of color and students with disabilities. It refers to the process by which students are funneled out of school and into the criminal justice system. There are a number of factors that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, including:

• Zero-tolerance policies that mandate harsh punishments for even minor infractions

• Lack of access to resources for students with disabilities

• High rates of poverty and crime in schools

• Implicit bias on the part of teachers and other adults

The school-to-prison pipeline has a number of negative consequences for students, including:

• Increased risk of dropping out of school

• Increased risk of incarceration

• Decreased opportunities for employment and higher education

• Increased risk of mental health problems

• Increased risk of substance abuse

There are a number of things that can be done to address the school-to-prison pipeline, including:

• Reforming zero-tolerance policies

• Providing more resources for students with disabilities

• Reducing poverty and crime in schools

• Addressing implicit bias

The school-to-prison pipeline is a complex problem, but it is one that we must address if we want to create a more just and equitable society.