A new GAO report reveals that Black girls experience harsher punishments in schools compared to their peers. The report found racial and gender biases, like adultification—where Black girls are seen as older and more defiant—and colorism, as key drivers of these disparities.
By the numbers
- Black girls make up 15% of all girls in U.S. public schools but account for nearly half of suspensions and expulsions.
- They face discipline rates 3 to 5 times higher than white girls for similar infractions.
- Black girls represented 45% of out-of-school suspensions and 43% of expulsions in the 2017-18 school year.
- Biases around defiance and disrespect, along with school poverty levels and the presence of school resource officers, contribute to higher discipline rates.
Why it matters: The report points to various forms of bias as key drivers of these disparities. For instance, Black girls are more likely to be punished for subjective infractions like defiance or disrespect, where disciplinary decisions are often influenced by individual teachers’ perceptions.
What’s next: The findings have prompted calls for changes to discipline policies. While some schools have adopted measures aimed at reducing reliance on exclusionary discipline, researchers and stakeholders emphasize that these interventions must be implemented consistently to be effective. [NPR]
