The Pre-K to Prison Pipeline

“I believe the racial disparities in school suspension and expulsion convince Black childr
en to leave the school environment in large numbers. Many Black students drop out of school or do not perform to their ability,” Bell said. “Additionally, other Black students adopt the belief that they are being criminalized and that school is only preparing them for a life inside of prison. The solution would be to end zero-tolerance policies and review school suspensions on a case-by-case basis. Also, policymakers and administrators should use school suspension and expulsion as last resorts instead of primary measures.”