December 23, 2020
New California absenteeism data shows big discrepancies between white, Black students
Black students far more likely to face disciplinary measures for missing school, statewide data shows.
California districts are looking closely at their zero-tolerance discipline policies. Changes include raising awareness of the impact of trauma on students and implementing restorative justice principles, which require misbehaving students to make amends to those they have harmed. Disproportionate numbers of African-American and, to a lesser extent, Latino youth are suspended or disciplined.