With All Due Respect: Perceptions of Respect in Middle School and School Suspensions for Disrespectful Behavior

• In Event: P12 Persistence in Response to Just Education Resistance: Practitioner Scholarship as a Revolutionary Act

Abstract

Though there is ample research on the topic of school discipline and values development. There is still significant room for future research on the intersection of these concepts, specifically on the topic of respect. This study explores how various school stakeholders, specifically parents or guardians of middle school students and middle school staff, define the concept of respect, and how perceptions of respect align with historical trends illustrating inequitable assignments of suspension by race. The research question for this study is: What is the impact of differing conceptualizations of respect between middle school staff and parents of middle school students of varying racial identities on suspensions for disrespectful behavior? This study utilizes Critical Race Theory (Crenshaw et al., 1995) and Critical Whiteness Studies (Wozolek & Atif, 2022) as frameworks to examine possible definitions of respect and interpretations and receipt of suspensions across racial groups. In addition, Cultural Mismatch Theory is employed. Both Critical Race Theory and Critical Whiteness Studies may serve as lenses to further explore potential value misalignments between school staff and the families of their students, as well as the historical marginalization of certain subgroups of students when it comes to school discipline. The impact of studies such as this continuing to explore the intersection of differing values between school and home with the student experience at school is that educators may gain further insight into how to be more mindful and culturally responsive when creating policies and engaging in professional development, so that they can work to create more inclusive and equitable school environments for all students and their families.

Author

• Kiersten Ellefsen-Olelewe, University of Colorado - Denver