Racial Threat Hypothesis and School Discipline: Restorative or Punitive Treatment of Native American Students

• In Event: Racial Disparities in Treatment of Youth

Abstract

Since the 1990’s, punitive school disciplinary measures have increased. The literature demonstrates that these protective measures (e.g., increased surveillance, zero tolerance policies, school security, etc.) have negatively impacted minority students. More specifically, research has found that African American youth are most likely to be suspended or expelled, referred to the office, and arrested at school. Recent literature has utilized racial threat hypothesis to account for the disproportionate representation of African American and Hispanic youth in school disciplinary infractions. The current research evaluates the effect of racial threat on discipline (punitive and restorative) for Native American students using the Arizona Youth Survey. Additionally, school-level and census track indicators are also assessed.

Authors

• Meghan Mitchell, Sam Houston State University

• Gaylene Armstrong, Sam Houston State University

• Todd Armstrong, Sam Houston State University