Detroit Students Organize March to Protest School-to-Prison Pipeline
An organization called Detroit’s Youth Voice have organized a march this Saturday to “break the School-to-Prison Pipeline.”
As many have argued, school disciplinary policies like suspensions and expulsions remove children from the classroom. Time away from the class hurts youth academically and can set them down a road leading to prison.
According to the ALCU, 36 percent of Detroit Public School students were suspended in the 2011-2012 academic year.
“Many students who have been suspended or expelled have no alternative opportunities for learning or other productive activities,” the resolution said. “When students are repeatedly suspended, they are at substantially greater risk of leaving school altogether, and current rates of expulsion and suspension in Michigan public schools is unacceptably high.”
Youth Voice “will be looking to” Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan to provide funding for discussion groups, in-school suspension programs and therapist referrals for students with mental health and family issues.
Info about the march:
What: Detroit Youth ‘school to prison pipeline’ protest
When: Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Cass Park (2nd Ave and Temple Detroit) to Wayne County Jail and Second Baptist Church (441 Monroe)
Great to see young people taking to the streets and making their voices heard regarding such an important issue.
Thoughts on the school-to-prison pipeline?
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