"Rising School Suspensions: Disproportionate Impact on Black and Latino Students"

Black students in Ohio are disproportionately suspended for disobedience and disruption, with subjective terms like disrespect and insubordination leading to selective punishment. Racial and cultural differences between educators and students, as well as bias, contribute to these disparities. Toledo's public schools, under federal monitoring, are working to address the root causes of the disparity through culturally responsive training, mental health support, and social-emotional wellness teams. Teacher experience and training are key to preventing suspensions, as less-experienced teachers and subjective disciplinary decisions contribute to racial gaps. Researchers argue that more support for teachers and alternatives to suspensions could reduce racial inequities and improve academic outcomes for students.