Seowoo Choi
Seoul International School
Abstract
This paper delves into the link between educational disparities and the disproportionately high
incarceration rates in marginalized communities, focusing especially on African American students. It
highlights how the systemic inadequacies of the U.S. education system feed into the school-to-prison
pipeline and particularly impact Black students. The study highlights the detrimental effects of zerotolerance policies and ingrained racial biases in disciplinary practices, urging a need for comprehensive
reform.
By examining the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ dynamics that lead to high school dropouts and their connection to
subsequent incarceration, the paper champions restorative justice practices over the prevailing zerotolerance approach. It further suggests enhancing diversity training for teachers alongside calling for
legislative changes. This paper advocates for a united approach, emphasizing the importance of fostering
a supportive and equitable educational landscape. This approach aims to tackle the unique hurdles
encountered by marginalized students and casts a light on the wider challenge of achieving educational
equity for all.
