Researchers at the Education Research Alliance for New Orleans have released a new report showing Louisiana's black students and low-income students are more likely to be suspended than white and wealthier students.
The report from the Tulane University-based research group found that black students were twice as likely to be suspended compared to white students. Low-income students were 1.75 times more likely to get a suspension than their middle- and upper-income classmates. The study also found that in fights between one black student and one white student, black students got longer suspensions.
Researchers looked at state school discipline records from 2000 to 2014. Their findings are consistent with dozens of national studies showing higher rates of suspension for minority and low-income kids.
They say there may be a need for more professional development and oversight to reduce discriminatory discipline practices in Louisiana schools.
