The School-to-Prison Pipeline: How Police in Schools Criminalize Latino Youth

The school-to-prison pipeline is a major issue in the United States, and it disproportionately affects Latino youth. This pipeline is a set of policies and practices that push students out of school and into the juvenile justice system. It is a result of the increasing presence of police in schools, zero tolerance policies, and racial profiling.

Police in schools are often seen as a way to improve safety and security. However, research has shown that their presence can actually lead to increased violence and crime. A study by the American Civil Liberties Union found that schools with police officers have higher rates of student arrests, suspensions, and expulsions. Another study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that schools with police officers are more likely to have students who report feeling unsafe.

Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth

by Victor M. Rios

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1728 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	221 pages
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Zero tolerance policies are another major factor contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. These policies require schools to impose harsh punishments for even minor offenses. For example, a student who brings a toy gun to school may be suspended or expelled. Zero tolerance policies are often applied disproportionately to Latino students, who are more likely to be seen as disruptive or threatening.

Racial profiling is also a major problem in schools. Studies have shown that Latino students are more likely to be stopped and searched by school police officers than white students. They are also more likely to be arrested and charged with crimes.

The school-to-prison pipeline has a devastating impact on Latino youth. It can lead to lost educational opportunities, increased exposure to violence, and a greater likelihood of incarceration. It is a major contributor to the mass incarceration of people of color in the United States.

There are a number of things that can be done to address the school-to-prison pipeline. First, we need to reduce the number of police officers in schools. Second, we need to end zero tolerance policies. Third, we need to address racial profiling in schools. And fourth, we need to invest in programs that support Latino youth and help them succeed in school.

The school-to-prison pipeline is a serious problem, but it is one that we can solve. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable education system for all students.

Here are some specific examples of how the school-to-prison pipeline works:

• In 2015, a 12-year-old black girl in Ohio was arrested and charged with assault after she got into a fight with another student. The girl was suspended from school for three days and placed on probation.
• In 2014, a 14-year-old Latino boy in California was arrested and charged with a felony after he made a "terroristic threat" on social media. The boy was suspended from school for ten days and placed on probation.
• In 2013, a 16-year-old black boy in Florida was arrested and charged with battery after he pushed a teacher. The boy was expelled from school and sent to a juvenile detention center.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that the school-to-prison pipeline operates. It is a serious problem that has a devastating impact on the lives of Latino youth.

What can be done to address the school-to-prison pipeline?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the school-to-prison pipeline. Here are a few specific recommendations:

• Reduce the number of police officers in schools.
• End zero tolerance policies.
• Address racial profiling in schools.
• Invest in programs that support Latino youth and help them succeed in school.

These are just a few of the many things that can be done to address the school-to-prison pipeline. It is a serious problem, but it is one that we can solve. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable education system for all students.

Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth

by Victor M. Rios

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1728 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	221 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE