Are Public Schools Safe for Black Children?

THE RESULTS OF A STUDY BY THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHOW THAT
AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN RECEIVE
LESS RESOURCES AS COMPARED TO
CHILDREN OF OTHER RACES.
(PHOTO: JAN-GEPHARDT.BLOGSPOT.COM)

By Lynette Holloway, 

The Root

09 March 12

n Tuesday the U.S. Department of Education released the Civil Rights Data Collection sample, which found that public school educators unfairly punish minority students. The Associated Press had previously reported on a preliminary release of the report.

The survey of 7,000 school districts and 72,000 schools was conducted during the 2009-2010 school year. It also found that African-American children were less likely to be exposed to high-level curriculums and experienced teachers.

"The data portend a very disturbing picture," Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali explained during a conference call on Tuesday. "They tell us that across the country, African Americans, Latinos, students with disabilities and English-language learners continue to receive less than their fair share of our most important resources."

For example, while African-American children represent 18 percent of the sample in the study, they represent 35 percent of the number of students suspended once, 46 percent of those suspended more than once and 39 percent of all students expelled, the report shows.   READ MORE