Surveilling Black Youth in Rural America: Are Schools Really a Safe Haven?

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research in Progress Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Student and Teacher Perspectives on Learning, Well-Being, and Resilience in Schools (Table 14)

Abstract

This research project aims to understand what happens in rural schools and communities that results in the disproportionate presence of Black students in the criminal legal system. Specifically, this in-depth literature review explores the following research questions: 'How does surveillance impact the experience of Black youth in rural America? What role do schools play in this surveillance?' Surveillance of Black youth in rural America is especially important as rural communities tend to be conservative and White which makes it increasingly difficult for Black youth to flourish in these communities (Castillo and Cromartie, 2020). If Black youth become involved in the criminal legal system it creates an added barrier for economic opportunity as well as community participation. This research project will thread the historical implications of surveillance broadly, rural community policing, and school resource officers to paint a picture of the impact these forces have on Black youth in rural America.

Author

• Erika Roberson, Georgetown University
  Presenting Author