The Roles of Suspensions for Minor Infractions and School Climate in Predicting Academic Performance Among Adolescents

Date:
Author:
Juan Del Toro and Ming-Te Wang, University of Pittsburg

The present study shows that more African American youth are suspended for minor infractions than White youth. In addition, these suspensions predicted poor school grades and school climate perceptions for African American youth. These findings raise concerns about school adults’ discretion in using punitive school discipline policies and practices, as they may be contributing to academic disparities.