In D.C., nationwide, rate of black students disciplined exceeds that of whites

It’s not just in New York City where students of color are more likely to be suspended than are whites. The most recent national figures, from 2006, show 5 percent of white students suspended, compared with 15 percent of their black classmates, 7 percent of Hispanics and 3 percent of Asians.

Across the Washington, D.C., area, black students get suspended or expelled two to five times as often as whites do for infractions including disrespect, defiance, insubordination, disruption and foul language.

Montgomery, Md., schools are training school leaders in new approaches, including involving a team of administrators in suspension decisions, offering more professional development and sharing best practices. Still, some 6 percent of its black students were suspended or expelled last year, compared with just 1.2 percent of white students. Seventy-one percent of suspensions were for insubordination.

Some offenses allow educators significant latitude in determining punishment. A recent Texas study showed African-American students were more likely to be suspended for discretionary offenses while white students were suspended for severe violations such as selling drugs or coming armed to school.

The Washington Post, Dec. 28