Connecticut Voices for Children released a report that examines Connecticut’s school to prison pipeline and the racial disparities that exist across programs and systems. The report, entitled “Beyond Exclusionary Discipline: Re-Conceptualizing Connecticut’s School to Prison Pipeline to Address Root Causes,” identifies several structural and systemic factors that push students through the school to prison pipeline, which fall into three categories: discrimination, physical and mental well-being, and socioeconomic status. Additionally, Connecticut Voices for Children offers the following recommendations that seek to mitigate the factors that make it more difficult for students to achieve in school and put students at an increased risk of facing exclusionary discipline and justice system involvement:
- Connecticut schools should provide additional counselors, social workers, and therapists to support students and teachers.
- Connecticut schools should hire teachers and administrators who have backgrounds that are relatable to the students they serve.
- Connecticut schools should dramatically limit the use of exclusionary discipline to create an environment that is supportive, not punitive.
- Connecticut schools should provide teachers and administrators with ongoing training and support on anti-racism.
- Connecticut schools should expand services and partner with other organizations to provide greater support to students and their families.
