Hey there 👋! Have you ever heard of “the pipeline”? No, not the actual pipeline that transports oil and gas, but rather the “school-to-prison pipeline”. It’s a disturbing trend where students, particularly students of color, are funneled out of schools and into the juvenile or criminal justice system due to harsh disciplinary policies and practices. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at this issue and explore ways to disrupt this pipeline.

What is the school-to-prison pipeline?

The school-to-prison pipeline is a process where youth are pushed out of school and into the criminal justice system. This happens through a combination of overly harsh school disciplinary policies, such as zero tolerance policies, and the over-policing and criminalization of student behavior.

The pipeline begins when students are suspended or expelled from school for minor infractions, such as talking back to a teacher or being late to class. This leads to disruptions in their education and can cause them to fall behind or drop out altogether.

Once out of school, these students are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and end up in contact with law enforcement. This can spark a cycle of negative interactions with the criminal justice system that can be difficult to escape.

Illustration of a pipeline, with a school on one end and a prison on the other

Who is impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline?

The school-to-prison pipeline has a disproportionate impact on students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. Black students are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white peers, and they make up a disproportionate amount of those in juvenile detention centers and adult prisons.

This is due to a variety of factors, including implicit bias and racism in school disciplinary policies, as well as the criminalization of poverty and blackness in society as a whole.

Moreover, students with disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQ+ are also overrepresented in the pipeline.

Image of a diverse group of students in a classroom, with a few looking sad or distressed

Why is it important to disrupt the pipeline?

The school-to-prison pipeline has serious and long-lasting impacts on the lives of students and their families. It unfairly criminalizes and punishes young people for minor infractions, which can lead to a lifetime of consequences, including difficulty finding housing, employment, and even voting rights.

Moreover, the pipeline reinforces and perpetuates systemic racism and reinforces the school-to-prison pipeline as a means of social control, rather than providing support and guidance to young people.

By disrupting the pipeline, we can ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed in school and in life, no matter their background or circumstances.

Illustration of a chain with the word "pipeline" on each link, being broken apart by a hand

How can we disrupt the pipeline?

There are many ways to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, including:

  • Implementing restorative justice programs: Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships. It involves bringing together those who have been harmed with those responsible, to work together to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved.

  • Ending zero tolerance policies: Zero tolerance policies, which mandate automatic punishments for certain behaviors, do more harm than good. Instead, schools should focus on preventive measures, like providing support and counseling, rather than punitive measures.

  • Creating positive school climates: Schools should be supportive and inclusive environments that encourage and enable students to succeed. This can involve implementing positive behavior interventions and supports, as well as culturally responsive teaching practices.

  • Providing resources and supports: Students who are struggling with mental health, trauma, or other challenges need access to resources and supports that can help them address those challenges. Providing access to therapists, social workers, and other professionals can make a big difference.

Illustration of students of different races, genders, and abilities, holding hands and standing in front of a school building

In conclusion, the school-to-prison pipeline is a serious issue that disproportionately impacts students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. However, by implementing restorative justice, ending zero tolerance policies, creating positive school climates, and providing resources and support, we can disrupt the pipeline and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Let’s work together to create a more just and equitable future for all. 👊

Illustration of a group of people holding hands, with the words "Disrupt the Pipeline" above them