Having a disability is never an excuse to deny someone their rights.
The ACLU of Missouri found that Missouri schools disproportionately suspend, expel, refer to law enforcement, and even physically punish students with disabilities and students of color. (You can read our report.)
We found that students with in-school behaviors met with harsher, more frequent discipline have a greater likelihood of finding themselves caught up in the criminal justice system as they grow up, which is known as the “school-to-prison pipeline.”
This type of school punishments can send students with disabilities into the criminal justice system.
Many studies show that displacing students from the classroom interferes with their opportunity to get a proper education and diminishes their chances for a successful future.
Many times, students singled out for discipline develop internalized perceptions of themselves as “bad,” leading to a damaging cycle of low-self esteem that can affect them for the rest of their life.
Students with disabilities should be treated with respect and given the same access to education as anyone else.
If you are a student with a disability, family member or simply wish to advocate for the rights of students with disabilities rights, there are steps you can take to stop the school-to-prison pipeline in your community. (Check out our general recommendations for students and parents.)
For students with disabilities, restraint and seclusion is an important issue. You should be informed on school discipline policies. Schools should have clear policies on restraint and seclusion. If a policy is unfair or unclear, this should be addressed with school administration.
Students with disabilities often face disproportionate discipline at school. You should be prepared by learning and asking school administration about the appeal process of disciplinary actions.
We also recommend that you know how the disciplinary hearing process is unique for students with disabilities.
Guardians of students with disabilities should make sure their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is correct, available to all educators, and implemented to ensure a positive school experience.
You can view our school-to-prison pipeline report for more information on how to improve Missouri schools for students with disabilities.