Wisconsin in the Top Ten – That Ain’t Right

by | April 20, 2015

Home 9 WisKids Count 9 Wisconsin in the Top Ten – That Ain’t Right

The top ten of what you may ask?  Well, Wisconsin ranks as the 7th highest state in terms of referral of students in school to police and courts – with 10.2 per 1,000 students referred compared to the national average of 5.8 per 1,000 students.  The Center for Public Integrity just analyzed 2011-2012 Education Civil Rights data to point out that Wisconsin has the highest rates of referrals of any state in the Midwest – much higher than our neighbors Minnesota (7.5 per 1,000), Illinois (6.3), and Iowa (5.1).
And, not surprisingly, these rates are quite disparate – with 14 of every 1,000 black youth referred compared to 9.5 white youth — and 24.6 per 1,000 youth with disabilities!!

I suppose one could make the argument that our schools are safe as the result of these practices –

But, any safer than our neighbors? Does it make sense that our rates would be so much higher than demographically similar states in our area?  I don’t think so.

So, we all know that the use of School Resource Officers that was popularized in the last decade has had some unintended consequences in turning behavioral problems into law enforcement referrals. And, just like expulsion and suspension data – there is really no relationship between the rates at which schools refer problems to law enforcement or the courts and actual academic performance.  So, let’s take time to reexamine the use of School Resource Officers, increase the use of restorative and other practices that do not have the side effect of driving youth into the justice system needlessly.

By Jim Moeser

Kids Forward
Kids Forward

Join us to build a Wisconsin where every child and family thrives.

Recent

Announcing New Deputy Director: Alia Stevenson

Announcing New Deputy Director: Alia Stevenson

The Kids Forward team is excited to announce the hiring of Alia Stevenson as Deputy Director. Stevenson joins the team right as Kids Forward launches Reimagine Wisconsin, an antiracist, community-informed policy agenda focused around four critical pillars for...

10/6: Radical Listening for Youth Justice

10/6: Radical Listening for Youth Justice

Sunday, October 6, 2024, 1-3pmHoney Bee Sage Wellness Apothecary 1819 N Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 Reserve your spot. Free Lunch, Herbal Teas & Alcohol-Free Cocktails PLUS a $25 participation stipend. ***Only 40 spots are available -...

10/17: Improving Language Access in Wisconsin

10/17: Improving Language Access in Wisconsin

[texto en español a continuación] Breaking Barriers Improving Language Access in Wisconsin Thursday, October 17, 1 - 3pmD.J. Bordini Center-Fox Valley Technical College [google map]5 N Systems Dr, Appleton, WI 54914 This event is FREE and open to all healthcare...

Sign up for Emails

Your address helps us identify your legislators and the most relevant messages to send you.