Files
Abstract
Race discrimination and disproportionality is commonplace within United States school discipline procedures, as research suggests that African American students receive disciplinary action more frequently and severely than their White peers. This legal analysis reviews historical foundations and federal and state court decisions addressing race discrimination and disproportionality in school discipline amongst African American students. In the eight cases reviewed, the courts overwhelmingly protect school officials actions in regards to both equal protection of law and due process of law. Through conducting a legal policy analysis, policy and practice recommendations are made at the federal, state and local levels. A concentration on how race discrimination, and the subsequent disproportionality in school discipline, in K-12 public schools can be reduced through improved teacher and school leader practice is emphasized.