Poster #42 - Thoughts, Prayers, and Policies: Examining the Politics of School Discipline

• In Event: 77.059 - MTCC Tuesday Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: 77.059-6 - International and Domestic Politics of Education

Abstract

In the wake of a series of mass school shootings, school discipline and school safety has become increasingly salient and polarized. There is a crystalizing consensus that corrective actions have to be taken to address school safety concerns yet disparities in school discipline remain concerning. There is a need for informed thought on the politics of education regarding school discipline. It is important to examine the variables that trigger policy changes in school discipline policies and practices, and contribute to the political conversation. In this study, we examine the politics of school discipline and school safety in K-12 education. Our preliminary findings suggest that the discourse and debates on school discipline seem to pit equity against safety.

Authors

• Richard Welsh, University of Georgia

• Shafiqua Hill, University of Georgia