The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Understanding its Impact and the Need for Change
Part of the UB Law in Focus Discussion Series
The school-to-prison pipeline occurs when school systems turn over the discipline of their own students to law enforcement, often through the use of school resource officers stationed at schools. While the nation is debating police reform in our communities, what is happening in our schools?
The pandemic has perhaps put a pause on referrals to the juvenile justice system due to school-based incidents, but with the return to in-person instruction, students of color and students with disabilities could continue to be at risk for being disproportionality forced out of school and into the criminal justice system.
On April 14, 2021, our panel discussed the long history of police in schools, the detrimental impact of the school-to-prison pipeline on students, particularly on students of color and students with disabilities, and on the broader community. It explored alternatives to make school environments safer and more engaging for all young people.
The panel comprised Cara McClellan, assistant counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Monisha Cherayil, staff attorney at Baltimore's Public Justice Center; Michele Hall, attorney in the Office of the Public Defender of Maryland; and UBalt Law Prof. Odeana Neal, who teaches juvenile justice. Dean Alyssa Fieo moderated the discussion.
Panelists
Cara McClellan
Assistant Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Monisha Cherayil
Staff Attorney, Baltimore's Public Justice Center
Michele Hall
Attorney, Office of the Public Defender of Maryland
Odeana Neal
Professor, The University of Baltimore School of Law
Future Events
To recommend a topic idea or to express your interest to serve as a panelist for a future event, contact Jason Keller at jkeller@ubalt.edu.
