New Books in Sociology Aaron Kupchik, "Suspended Education: School Punishment and the Legacy of Racial Injustice" (NYU Press, 2025)
Apr 17, 2025
Aaron Kupchik, a sociology professor and author of "Suspended Education," unpacks the harmful effects of school suspensions, particularly on Black students. He discusses how suspensions disrupt education without improving behavior and reveals their historical roots tied to racial injustice post-desegregation. Kupchik illustrates the impact of implicit racial bias through compelling stories, urging a shift from punitive practices to restorative methods. His research highlights the need for reform to better support marginalized communities in the educational system.
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Harms of Suspension
- Suspension harms students by worsening behavior and disrupting their education, increasing dropout and incarceration risks.
- Suspended students and their communities face long-term negative social and economic consequences.
Ineffectiveness of Suspension
- Suspension does not improve behavior or academic performance and often applies to minor misbehaviors.
- High suspension rates also negatively impact other students in the school who aren't suspended.
Racial Bias Drives Discipline
- Suspension's overuse is fueled by both the legacy of segregation and current implicit racial bias among educators.
- Teachers perceive Black students' behavior as more threatening, leading to more frequent and harsher punishments.
