Rhode Island Suspension Rates Higher For Blacks And Hispanics

June 5, 2013
Written by The Associated Press in
Discrimination Cases
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Behavioral teens
Aggressive, defiant, disruptive, and antisocial behavior stems from externalizing behavior disorders, which are highly prevalent in school settings today, but that does not mean that all of these behaviors are associated with black and Hispanic students. Regardless of these behaviors, it is up to educators to discuss these issues with parents and try to help these students, especially when studies show that states like Rhode Island have very high suspension rates for black and Hispanic students. Photo Credit: research.chop.edu

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A report by the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) finds that suspensions of black and Hispanic students is a lot higher at the state’s public schools than white children. .

The report released Wednesday examines data collected by the Rhode Island Department of Education between 2004 and 2012.

It finds the disparities are even greater in elementary schools. According to the report, the suspension of a black student was six times higher than those ratings for a white student, while the suspension of a Hispanic student was three times higher. .

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist says in a statement that she's concerned by the report and plans to discuss it with school leaders. She says she believes suspensions are an unproductive way to deal with many discipline issues.

 

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