SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An Associated Press review of state data on suspensions and expulsions published in November prompted the Illinois Senate to form a task force to study racial disparities in public school discipline. Among the highlights of the review:
- Suspensions of Black students increased 75 percent from 1999-2008, while those of white students dropped five percent.
- In 2007-08, Blacks accounted for 51 percent of all suspensions, even though they make up about one-fifth of the student enrollment. Whites accounted for 28 percent of the suspensions, although they make up nearly three-fifths of the enrollment.
- Expulsions of Black students increased 56 percent from 1999-2008, while those of whites increased 16 percent.
- In 2007-08, Blacks accounted for 48 percent of all expulsions, and whites accounted for 33 percent.
- Since 1989, suspensions have grown by 82 percent and expulsions by 171 percent, while the statewide school enrollment has increased 18 percent.
- It matters little where in the state students attend school - Chicago, suburbs, rural or urban areas, affluent or low-income. In all cases, Blacks were disciplined at higher rates than whites, especially compared to their proportion of the enrollment.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press.
