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Unjust Discipline, Unjust Outcomes: Reimagining Equity in Education

Thu, April 24, 1:45 to 3:15pm MDT (1:45 to 3:15pm MDT), The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Mile High Ballroom 2A and 3A

Abstract

Exclusionary disciplinary policies, such as out-of-school suspensions, disproportionately harm Black students, perpetuating systemic inequities and contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. This study critiques the race-neutral limitations of restorative justice and introduces Emancipatory Restorative Justice (ERJ), a race-conscious framework designed to address these inequities. Grounded in Critical Race Theory, Black feminist thought, and intersectionality, the study uses qualitative methods, including interviews and document analysis, to examine the systemic harm inflicted by punitive practices. Preliminary findings reveal that existing restorative approaches fail to address implicit biases and systemic racism. ERJ offers a transformative alternative, centering racial justice to foster equity and inclusion. This work provides actionable insights for policymakers and educators seeking to reimagine disciplinary practices.

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