Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline

The Problem: Black and Latinx boys with disabilities are disproportionately removed from general education classrooms, placed in special education classrooms, and separated from their non-disabled peers. Additionally, male students of color with disabilities tend to get lower grades and graduate at smaller rates than other students, contributing to the Academic Achievement Gap. Furthermore, boys of color with disabilities are disciplined at higher rates than their peers, contributing to the School to Prison Pipeline.

The Solution: As a society and community, we must stop perpetuating toxic masculinity and teach boys that it is okay to share their emotions. Teachers must address their preconceived perceptions about boys and use punitive discipline as a last resort. Teachers must also stop viewing boys of color with disabilities as troublemakers and make an effort to find out the underlying reason for these students’ behaviors.

The Outcome: Boys of color with disabilities will have better relationships with their teachers and their teachers will better understand why boys of color with disabilities behave the way they do.