[FrdmLvr]

The district I used to teach in in Michigan was cited, just a few years ago, by some governmental office for suspending too many minorities. I can tell you in all honesty, that the teachers and administrators that I worked with did not discriminate against minorities. When students chose to act out or got out of line, discipline was administered accordingly. Teachers and administrators WANT their students there. People who aren't in the classroom are passing judgement without merit based on their own prejudice. They like to imagine teachers and principals - probably white are using the least excuse to suspend black students. It just isn't true.

Our school used something called PBS, Positive Behavior Support, and I'm sure most schools use it or something comparable to it. One of it's facets is to chart the discipline administered in the form of "write-ups" and suspensions in the building on a monthly basis according to teacher and then grade level to see where the issues are. The data is presented at monthly staff meetings. So, schools have been self-monitoring the discipline in an effort to change and improve the system.

The effect of this criticism is to imply that teachers and administrators are picking on minorities and are treating them unfairly. Nothing could be further from the truth. But the effect these regulations will have on the behavior of students who realize they can not be suspended will be disastrous.

[morphing libertarian]

When I really worked for a living circa 1978 we were sent a survey from Hdq asking why blacks and hispanics were over represented in Youth Authority institutions. All of our staff, every race and ethnic group, said, because they commit more crimes.

We never heard back on the results of the survey.