SOUTH BEND -- Are poor school experiences leading some students into a "school-to-prison pipeline?
A standing-room-only crowd, including a panel of local experts and officials, explored what policies and practices might push students -- especially those most at risk -- into the criminal justice system.
Karen White, associate vice chancellor for student services at Indiana University South Bend, moderated the forum, which came about after organizers learned of disproportionate discipline in local schools.
For most students here and across the country, White said, the school-to-prison pipeline begins with inadequate resources, overcrowded classrooms, lack of qualified teachers and insufficient funding for their schools.
"Zero tolerance," she said, "and other discipline policies push students down the pipeline." What's more, she said, "a disproportionate number of children of color experience harder discipline."
The size of the crowd in the St. Joseph County Public Library's Humphrey Room last week is, in itself, evidence of the pipeline, one participant said.