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School-to-Prison Pipeline

The School-to-Prison Pipeline refers to a concerning trend where students, particularly those from marginalized communities, are pushed out of educational institutions and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Factors contributing to this issue include harsh school disciplinary policies, zero-tolerance laws, and increased law enforcement presence in schools. These practices disproportionately affect students of color and those with disabilities, often resulting in suspensions, expulsions, or arrests for minor infractions. Ultimately, this pipeline limits educational opportunities and can lead to a cycle of incarceration, undermining the potential of young people and perpetuating social inequities.

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    The school-to-prison pipeline refers to a troubling trend where policies and practices in schools push students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, out of the educational environment and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This can occur through harsh disciplinary actions, such as suspensions and expulsions, often for minor infractions. Factors like racial bias, limited resources, and lack of support contribute to this cycle, which disproportionately affects students of color. Instead of receiving help, these students face increased risks of incarceration, further perpetuating inequality and hindering their chances for future success.