Kansas City Fights 'School-To-Prison Pipeline' With Legal Training

As always, it's important to define terms . . . 

The basics . . .  

The "school-to-prison pipeline" refers to the disturbing national trend wherein students are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems . . .

Key aspects of the school-to-prison pipeline:

Disproportionate Impact: Students of color, students with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected.

Harsh Disciplinary Practices: Zero-tolerance policies, increased police presence in schools (School Resource Officers), and exclusionary disciplinary practices like suspensions and expulsions contribute to the pipeline.

Criminalization of Minor Infractions: Students are increasingly punished for minor misbehaviors that could be addressed through alternative methods like counseling or restorative justice, leading to their involvement in the justice system.

Lack of Due Process: Students, especially those with special needs, may not receive proper due process protections during disciplinary actions.

Limited Educational Opportunities: Exclusionary discipline and placement in inferior alternative schools can disrupt a student's education and increase the likelihood of dropping out. 

One thing that isn't mentioned in the description . . .

The "school to prison pipeline" is activist terminology that assumes "systemic racism" or a least often alleges as much.

Like it or not . . . Here's a look at a local effort to disrupt the trend . . .  

The program has two separate goals, using the legal field to reach two different audiences. 

“It's a pipeline to help kids who either, if they're in the justice system, get out. If they're not in the justice system, help them become attorneys. So it's kind of a two-pronged approach.” The program has helped hundreds of students over its 10-year history.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Celebration held for KC program eliminating school-to-prison pipeline

Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church held their 10-year celebration on Sunday, where students were given certificates of achievement for their hard work and given scholarships as well.