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.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.