While the term does not have one specific definition, it is important to understand the concepts behind it. In order to get a better understanding, let us look at some different ways this term is described:
“a disturbing national trend wherein children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems.” – ACLU
“The school-to-prison pipeline starts in the classroom. When combined with zero-tolerance policies, a teacher’s decision to refer students for punishment can mean they are pushed out of the classroom—and much more likely to be introduced into the criminal justice system.” – Southern Poverty Law
“funneling of students out of school and into the streets and the juvenile correction system perpetuates a cycle known as the ‘School-to-Prison-Pipeline,’ depriving children and youth of meaningful opportunities for education, future employment, and participation in our democracy.” – NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Be sure to check out this brief “School to Prison Pipeline” video :
