Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline

School policies that include harsh punishments, automatic out-of-class time and police involvement for discipline contribute to pushing young people out of classrooms and into the criminal legal system. These punitive practices disproportionately affect Black and other children of color, students with disabilities, young people experiencing poverty and children from communities that have been historically marginalized. Urgent change is needed to end school pushout and dismantle this school-to-prison pipeline. Together, families, educators and community members can advocate for and implement practices that prioritize mental health and well-being and do not push children out of the classroom. We offer these resources to open dialogue, shift practices and foster change to benefit all young people.