During the week of October 1-8, 2011, thousands of students, parents, educators, and advocates in 13 states across the nation will participate in a National Week of Action on School Pushout organized by the Dignity in Schools Campaign (DSC) to promote local and national alternatives to the nation's current zero-tolerance school discipline culture. Events include forums, rallies, street theater, alternative school discipline trainings, and more.
The Week of Action platform advocates for the human right of every child to a quality education and challenges the systematic pushout of students from schools into the juvenile justice system through suspension and expulsions, often referred to as the "School to Prison Pipeline". Youth are being pushed out of school due to:
- failing schools
- zero tolerance policies and other harmful practices
- inadequate curricula of disciplinary alternative schools
- unnecessary police and court contact
School to Prison Pipeline
The National American Civil Liberties Union has targeted the "School to Prison Pipeline" as a national concern that affects the civil liberties of youth across the nation, especially:
- students of color
- LGBT students
- students with disabilities
- students from low-income communities
Delaware's School Discipline Task Force, created by House Resolution 22, has made attempts at improving school learning environments by suggesting alternatives to zero tolerance policies.
However, the negative impact of zero tolerance policies are still apparent in Delaware schools. More improvements to school disciplinary procedures need to be made to ensure a safe,and positive learning environment for all students.
How You Can Get Involved
The DSC has established a National Resolution for Ending School Pushout to end harsh school discipline procedures and law enforcement tactics that lead to expulsion and contact with the juvenile justice system.
