Tuesday, June 29, 2010
COLUMBUS (AP) — A new report shows nearly half of all disciplinary actions in Ohio public schools involve black students, who make up 17 percent of the student population.
The study released Monday by the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio shows the rate at which blacks are punished is slightly higher than the rate of school discipline for white students, who comprise 79 percent of public school enrollment.
The group says there seems to be no logical reason why minority students are punished at higher rates than white students and says further research is warranted.
Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio Director Ronald Browder says it’s an important issue because when a student is disciplined it takes away from important class instruction and learning.