Zero-tolerance for zero-tolerance biases

A report released by the ACLU–CT,(Monday, November, 17 2008), raises questions about violations to students' rights to an education, as well as the influence of racial bias in decisions affecting student discipline, specifically suspensions and expulsions.

The report, "Dignity Denied: The Effect of "Zero Tolerance" Policies on Students' Human Rights, A Case Study of New Haven, CT, Public Schools," suggests that the 'zero-tolerance" policies influencing school discipline may serve to facilitate the "school to prison pipeline."

Such a disturbing report requires investigation of how school discipline policies and practices affect the incidence of suspensions and expulsions, and the impact on Black students.

Preliminary information gathering tasks have been delegated to an ad hoc committee; a report will be forthcoming early in 2009.