Black students often get a raw deal when it comes to school suspensions, making up a disproportionate share of those kicked out of class. You might think the problem would be less of an issue when so many schools are operating remotely during the pandemic. Think again.

News reports show Black children are still being suspended for dubious reasons – even when they’re learning remotely at home, criminal justice scholar Charles Bell writes. To better understand the impact of “unwarranted school punishment” on Black children and their families, Bell has been exploring their personal stories in an ongoing research project.

Also today:

Jamaal Abdul-Alim

Education Editor

Suspensions have continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while children are attending remotely from their homes. Marie-Claude Lemay/iStock/Getty Images Plus

School suspensions don’t just unfairly penalize Black students – they lead to lower grades and ‘Black flight’

Charles Bell, Illinois State University

Schools can consider virtual learning and other ways to reduce the negative impact of suspensions on student achievement.

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