The Impact of school suspensions on student achievement, well being and trajectory


Claudette Rutherford, OISE, University o Toronto

This research delves into the repercussions of school suspensions in the K-12 system in the Greater Toronto Area, to examine their impact on students sense of belonging, academic achievement, and future pathways. It critically addresses suspensions as a colonial and punitive strategy, disproportionately affecting Black students. Through interviews with Black students aged 13-18, the study aims to uncover the relationship between disciplinary practices and the engagement of Black learners. Framed within Black Critical Race Theory, the study analyzes the manifestations of anti Black racism and pathologizing of the Black body in school. Beyond the investigation into how school suspensions affect Black students experiences and outcomes, this work elicits a reevaluation of carceral disciplinary measures in schools and advocates for the eradication of such exclusionary policies.

This paper will be presented at the following session: