The Role of School Counselors in Addressing Racial Disparities in School Discipline

• In Event: Enhancing School Counselors Ability to Support Their Students

Abstract

This paper focuses on school counselors’ activities related to school discipline towards students of color. At the heart of this concern are the unequal educational opportunities and continue racial disparities that disproportionally affect Black and Latinx students as they are more likely to be suspended, expelled, and pushed out of school altogether. Given the pivotal role of school counselors in the lives of youth it is important to explore their experiences and practices to address issues of school discipline that disproportionally impact Students of Color. This paper will inform research, policy, and practice on the role of school counselors to utilize their leadership in schools to address issues of school discipline to best support Students of Color.

Author

• Edwin Hernandez, California State University, San Bernardino