Fostering school equity: A racial socialization approach to creating an equitable school climate and reducing disciplinary infractions.

Abstract

Despite numerous efforts to attenuate the Black-White discipline gap in U.S. schools, Black students are still suspended for minor infractions at a disproportionately higher rate than their White peers. Using a racially diverse sample (n = 1,515; M age = 12.7; 50% boys; 72% Black, 28% White), this 3-year longitudinal study examined whether student perceptions of school racial socialization practices (i.e., cultural socialization, promotion of cultural competence) were linked to a lower likelihood of receiving a suspension for a minor infraction through improved school climate perceptions and whether these links differed between Black and White students. Results showed that school racial socialization was associated with a lower likelihood of receiving a suspension for a minor infraction and improved school climate perceptions for all students. Moreover, students' perceptions of school climate mediated the link between school racial socialization and suspensions among both Black and White students. Considering these results, school racial socialization is a promising means for improving students' school climate perceptions, reducing inequitable disciplinary practices, and fostering school equity. Public Significance StatementThe study found that when students had opportunities to learn about their own and others' cultural backgrounds, they perceived a more positive school climate, which was in turn associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing a suspension for a minor infraction. As such, school racial socialization may be a promising way to support equitable school climates and just disciplinary responses.