Redefining Violence: Mapping Disciplinary Codes and Racial Disparities in California School Districts

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Redefining Violence: Mapping Disciplinary Codes and Racial Disparities in California School Districts

Abstract

This study analyzed the suspension trends in ten California school districts from the 2017-18 through the 2022-23 school years using data from the California
Department of Education (CDE) organized by the UCLA Civil Rights Project. The analysis focused on the prominent grounds for suspension under the categories: Violent
(Injury), Violent (No Injury), Weapons, Drugs, Defiance, and Other - disaggregated by district, race/ ethnicity, and school year. Findings reveal that the leading category of
suspensions in nine of the ten districts was Violent (No Injury) and that disproportionate suspension rates affected Black students in each district. These findings raise concerns
about disciplinary practices for subjective offenses and suggest the need for equity reviews and policy reforms to promote inclusive, egalitarian educational environments.

Author

• Imani Dixon, University of California - Los Angeles