Behind the Eight Ball: The Effects of Race and Number of Infractions on School Discipline

• In Event: 49.050 - Civil Rights and School Discipline Policy

Abstract

We examine a theory of racial reputational bias as an explanation for the severity of school discipline sanctions African American and Hispanic students are issued. We hypothesized that because administrators often view students of a racial/ethnic minority as more aggressive, more dangerous, and troublesome, African American and Hispanic students would be issued harsher discipline sanctions for their initial infraction than were White students. Secondary data from the Texas educational records were analyzed. African American and Hispanic students received more harsh initial sanctions than White students. When the number of infractions a student committed in a year was considered the discipline severity gap decreased, evening at 11 infractions. Implications for school justice and future directions are discussed.

Authors

• Danielle Smith, Texas A&M University

• Jamilia Blake, Texas A&M University

• Miner P. Marchbanks

• Allison Seibert

• John Eason, Texas A&M University