Minn. Students Of Color Are Twice As Likely To Be Expelled: Study

Students of color are twice as likely to be suspended or expelled from school than white students, according to new analysis released by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).

The same study also found that students with disabilities are twice as likely be suspended or expelled compared to those without disabilities.

Students of color comprise 31 percent of Minnesota’s student population but receive 66 percent of all suspensions and expulsions and students with disabilities comprise 14 percent of Minnesota’s student population and receive 43 percent of all suspensions and expulsions, the report finds.

These disparities constitute a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act because they deny students of color and students with disabilities "educational access and negatively impact academic achievement," MDHR said in a news release.

In response to the findings, the department has engaged school districts in a series of meetings to develop strategies for resolving disparities.

"Studies have proven that higher rates of school suspensions and expulsions among students of color and students with disabilities can have lasting negative impacts in their lives and education," stated Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey.

"That is why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights takes seriously any allegation or evidence that indicate disciplinary measures are falling disproportionately upon children of color and students with disabilities in our schools. It is our responsibility to fully review such allegations, and work with local school officials to ensure equal treatment under the law for all kids."

All public schools and charters in Minnesota are required to annually report information about their suspension and expulsion decisions to the Department of Education.

Human rights officials, in turn, reviewed five years of data. The 2015-2016 school year reveals trends in the data that is representative of the last five years:

• American-Indian students were ten times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white peers.
• African–American students were eight times more likely to be suspended or expelled than white peers.
• Students of color were twice more likely to be suspended or expelled than white peers.
• Students with disabilities were twice more likely to be suspended or expelled as their peers without a disability.

In its analysis, MDHR did not consider situations where physical safety was a concern, the student was fighting or in possession of a weapon or illegal drugs.

Excluding these situations, the department found that 55 percent of all suspensions in the state were the result of a subjective judgment made by school officials, leading to disparate results.

Potential For Charges

Disparities exist in nearly every school district and charter school in the state, officials found. In the fall of 2017, the MDHR invited 43 school districts and charter schools to meet with the department to develop corrective action strategies.

If the department and a school district or charter school are unable to reach an agreement, then officials may file administrative charges.

An administrative charge would require the school district or charter school to additional information deemed necessary for MDHR to investigate. Upon completion of its investigation, the department may issue a probable cause determination, meaning the department believes there is sufficient evidence that discrimination occurred.

Alleviating Disparities

School suspensions account for 20 percent of the difference in achievement between African-American and white students, officials said. Students at schools with high rates of suspensions exhibit lower achievement — even if never suspended.

MDHR said educing suspension and expulsion disparities will help ensure that students of color, American Indian students, and students with disabilities are given the same opportunities for success as their white peers.

Photo: CDC, Amanda Mills