Black Preschoolers More Likely to Face Suspension

Associated Press

Black students are more likely to be suspended from U.S. public schools — even as tiny preschoolers.

The racial disparities in American education, from access to high-level classes and experienced teachers to discipline, were highlighted in a report released Friday by the Education Department's civil rights arm.

The suspensions — and disparities — begin at the earliest grades.

Black children represent about 18 percent of children in preschool programs in schools, but they make up almost half of the preschoolers suspended more than once, the report said. Six percent of the nation's districts with preschools reported suspending at least one preschool child.

Advocates long have said get-tough suspension and arrest policies in schools have contributed to a "school-to-prison" pipeline that snags minority students, but much of the emphasis has been on middle school and high school policies. This was the first time the department reported data on preschool discipline.

Earlier this year, the Obama administration issued guidance encouraging schools to abandon what it described as overly zealous discipline policies that send students to court instead of the principal's office. But even before the announcement, school districts have been adjusting policies that disproportionately affect minority students.

It is sh!t like this that gets black people totally pissed off .

Mapoui has been trying to EXPLAIN to us this phenomenon of apartheid in america !

This is very interesting data that goes to prove how deep seated the discrimination of non-whites is. I think it's all got to do with the prejudice that is inherent in people. They tend to notice the actions of minorities more than those of the majority community. This situation of discrimination is common in my home country of India, which has a large number of linguistic, religious and ethnic communities living in close proximity.

It is sickening! I am going to be vigilant with my two little black girls, I will not allow anyone to allow them to believe they are inferior in any way! America has a seething underbelly of racism that people close their eyes to! Every thing that is bad is associated with people of color.