Zero-Tolerance Disciplinary Policies in Texas Public Schools

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

Abstract

Given the extensive research surrounding the negative impact of discretionary discipline policies on students according to race, we find it critical to understand the nature and scope of zero tolerance policies in Texas. Using a mixed-methods approach, we will employ document analysis to determine the discretionary or non-discretionary nature of zero tolerance policies, and then conduct non-parametric tests to evaluate whether there is a relationship that exists between zero-tolerance policies and student racial demographics and between zero-tolerance policies and urbanicity. We do this so that we might inform policy and initiate scholarly dialogue to disrupt racial discrimination in school discipline policies.

Authors

• Amy Patterson Lippa, The University of Texas - Austin

• Meghan Dwyer Lehr, The University of Texas - Austin

• Daniel D. Spikes, Iowa State University

• Dottie L. Hall, The University of Texas - Austin

• Mark A. Gooden, The University of Texas - Austin