The systemic pushout of Black girls from the classroom
In short: For many Black girls, the school system functions less as a ladder of opportunity and more as a mechanism of exclusion. Rather than fostering growth, specific policies often target these students for punishment, creating a cycle of exclusion that limits their futures before they even reach adulthood.
Social justice scholar Monique W. Morris identifies a global crisis where Black girls are disproportionately subjected to school punishments. This phenomenon, which she describes as "pushout," is not an accidental byproduct of individual teacher bias alone; it is rooted in systemic policies that criminalize the presence and behaviors of Black girls in educational settings. When schools prioritize punitive measures over supportive environments, they effectively push these students toward unsafe futures with severely restricted opportunities. This issue is recognized as a global phenomenon affecting students in various countries. Dr. Morris serves as the president of the National Black Women's Justice Institute. Her research specifically examines the criminalization of Black girls.
The consequences of this trend are profound. By focusing on punishment, the current educational framework fails to address the underlying needs of students, instead creating barriers to their full potential. Morris argues that the current model prevents Black girls from accessing the resources they need to succeed, essentially removing them from the very spaces designed to provide them with a path toward socioeconomic stability and personal development. The scholar has authored a book titled Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools. Her work explores the socioeconomic conditions affecting these families. She also examines the practices associated with improving juvenile justice.
To address this crisis, Morris advocates for a fundamental shift in educational philosophy. She proposes transforming schools into spaces of healing rather than punishment. This transition requires moving away from policies that target and exclude, and toward practices that support the well-being of Black girls. By centering healing, educators can create environments where these students can thrive, ensuring that the school system serves as a vehicle for empowerment rather than a gateway to the juvenile justice system. Morris has lectured extensively on these social justice issues. She aims to help these students reach their full potential. Her goal is to turn all schools into spaces where girls can heal.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Monique W. Morris: Why Black girls are targeted for punishment at school -- and how to change that
- Also: Why black girls are targeted for punishment at school — and how to change that - Center for Gender Justice & Opportunity (CGJO)
- Also: Monique Morris: Why Are Black Girls More Likely To Be Punished In School?
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