“And they cared”: How to Create Better, Safer Learning Environments for Girls of Color

Abstract

All across the country, girls of color are excluded from school for subjective offenses like these, missing out on critical class time and opportunities to learn. Black girls face some of the greatest barriers to educational opportunities because of racial and gender biases embedded within school discipline policies, dress codes, and codes of conduct that target their cultural identity. To help districts and schools do this critical work. This report provides a guide to respond to this moment and provide decision-makers with a common language and practices that can be used to reform exclusionary discipline policies and improve school climate to help address the needs of girls of color.