Morris_Part1_81051b5981f7fdc333fd44cacccb9cee

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

Author and Copyright

• Monique W. Morris

• Copyright © 2016 The New Press. All rights reserved.

• No reproduction without permission.

Related Works by Monique W. Morris

• Black Stats: African Americans by the Numbers in the Twenty-First Century

• Too Beautiful for Words: A Novel

Table of Contents Overview

1. Introduction

2. Chapter 1: Struggling to Survive

3. Chapter 2: A Blues for Black Girls When the "Attitude" is Enuf

4. Chapter 3: Jezebel in the Classroom

5. Chapter 4: Learning on Lockdown

6. Chapter 5: Repairing Relationships, Rebuilding Connections

7. Epilogue

8. Appendix A: Girls, We Got You!

9. Appendix B: Alternatives to Punishment

10. Methodology

11. Acknowledgments

12. Notes

Introduction

• Case Study: Incident involving Dejerria Becton in McKinney, Texas, illustrating the criminalization of Black girls.

• Awareness of Criminalization: Black girls often overlooked in discussions predominantly focused on Black boys.

• Increasing Vulnerability: Black girls face criminalizing policies leading to victimization and potential death.

• Narratives of Abuse: The story reflects broader societal issues where Black youth are criminalized, including cases like Tamir Rice.

Chapter 1: Struggling to Survive

• Growth of Criminalization: Higher rates of delinquency and detainment among girls, particularly those of color.

• Educational System Failure: Girls labeled as "delinquent" often face punitive responses rather than support.

• Statistics: Over 48% of Black girls expelled don't have access to educational services.

• Disproportionate Impact: Black girls face exclusionary discipline leading to disengagement from schools.

Chapter 2: A Blues for Black Girls When the "Attitude" is Enuf

• Incidents of Arrest: Reports of younger girls being handcuffed for non-threatening behavior.

• The Impact of Attitudes: How Black girls' expressions are interpreted differently due to racial biases.

• Cultural Misunderstanding: The unrealistic expectations placed on Black girls to conform to a narrow understanding of femininity.

Key Themes

1. Criminalization of Behavior: Black girls face disciplinary actions for behaviors seen as defiant rather than supportive or constructive.

2. Zero-Tolerance Policies: Policies often equate non-compliance with criminality, leading to escalated surveillance and punishment in schools.

Case Examples

• Sheneque Proctor: Died in custody after being arrested for disorderly conduct.

• Ashlynn Avery: Arrested for sleeping during an in-school suspension.

• Kiera Wilmot: Charged with a felony for a science experiment perceived as dangerous.

• Pleajhia Mervin: Arrested for a minor infraction involving food-related behavior.

Conclusion of Chapter Insights

• The educational system's punitive approach harms the potential and well-being of Black girls, reinforcing stereotypes and diminishing their opportunities for a supportive educational experience.

Overall Argument

• The book advocates for a re-examination of the treatment of Black girls in educational settings, emphasizing the need for awareness and systemic change to address the nuanced experiences they face.