The School-to-Prison-to-Deportation Pipeline: How Teachers and Administrators Navigate Educational Opportunity for Immigrant Students

• In Event: 54.080 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 54.080-21 - Managing Relationships Between Schools, Families, and the Justice System

Abstract

Much research focuses on the effects of zero tolerance policies and how schools can serve as prison pipelines. Additionally, research indicates that the criminal justice system can serve as a deportation pipeline for immigrants. However, there is little research linking the two, or discussing adult stakeholders’ (teachers and administrators) strategies concerning it. Therefore, we interviewed more than 200 recent immigrant students and more than 50 of their teachers/administrators in seven American cities. Some teachers/administrators worked to help students avoid the pipeline, but some used its threat and zero tolerance policies to remove “problem children.” We also collected data in sanctuary and non-sanctuary cities because we expected that would affect teacher behavior. This hypothesis was somewhat supported.

Authors

• Patricia Ann Maloney, Texas Tech University

• Duke Austin, California State University - East Bay

• SaunJuhi Verma, Rutgers University