Highlights of study of Illinois school punishment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An Associated Press review of state data on suspensions and expulsions published in November prompted the Illinois Senate to form a task force to study racial disparities in public school discipline. Among the highlights of the

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – An Associated Press review of state data on suspensions and expulsions published in November prompted the Illinois Senate to form a task force to study racial disparities in public school discipline. Among the highlights of the review:

– Suspensions of Black students increased 75 percent from 1999-2008, while those of white students dropped five percent.

– In 2007-08, Blacks accounted for 51 percent of all suspensions, even though they make up about one-fifth of the student enrollment. Whites accounted for 28 percent of the suspensions, although they make up nearly three-fifths of the enrollment.

– Expulsions of Black students increased 56 percent from 1999-2008, while those of whites increased 16 percent.

– In 2007-08, Blacks accounted for 48 percent of all expulsions, and whites accounted for 33 percent. – Since 1989, suspensions have grown by 82 percent and expulsions by 171 percent, while the statewide school enrollment has increased 18 percent.

– It matters little where in the state students attend school – Chicago, suburbs, rural or urban areas, affluent or low-income. In all cases, Blacks were disciplined at higher rates than whites, especially compared to their proportion of the enrollment.

Copyright 2010 Associated Press.

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