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Zero-Tolerance Experts
Offsetting Racial Divides:
Zero-Tolerance School Suspensions & Restorative Justice Practices
An Expert's Perspective of Exclusionary Discipline
Dr. Anne Gregory, Ph.D.
Rutgers University Graduate School Applied & Professional Psychology
Dr. Gregory discusses the historical contexts of punitive discipline, adverse impacts of zero-tolerance school suspensions, and alternative pathways to shift discipline practices in schools. She shares her expertise to guide educational stakeholders in implementing restorative practices.
Reflective question: Can school systems shift discipline practices?
Research indicates that the inequities of zero-tolerance school suspensions refuse Black males equal access to:
classroom instruction
upward social mobility
discrimination-free schooling
Black males are also overrepresented in school-related arrests and highlight life-altering outcomes of this practice. Adding to alarm, data shows that in 2018 93% of the U.S. prison population were males. 63% were Black.
Nationwide, Black males are disproportionately excluded from school. Yet, this educational crisis is underreported and overlooked. These inequities require immediate intervention from policymakers and school administrators to shift this practice.
Reflective Questions:
For School Administrators and Policymakers
How are discipline decisions made in your school/district?
Who are the key players and stakeholders?
What discipline practices are working?
What practices are NOT working?
Why?
Can schools shift away from zero-tolerance?
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