LEGAL CHALLENGES TO STUDENT DISPROPORTIONALITY IN DISCIPLINE: A LEGAL CONTENT ANALYSIS OF OCR CASE RESOLUTION LETTERS AND AGREEMENTS

Abstract

Across the United States, African American and Latino students are being systematically removed from their schools through discriminatory disciplinary practices. While judicial challenges have failed to provide the necessary remedies for these students, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has the authority to enforce civil rights laws and hold districts accountable for discriminatory practices. Through a legal content analysis of OCR Case Resolution Letters and Agreements from January 2011 to June 2019, this research explores trends in resolution letters and agreements and makes recommendations for principals to reduce exclusionary discipline.