Reports on the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into complaints that the Meridian, MS district unlawfully and disproportionately subjects black students to suspension, expulsion and school-based arrest, often for minor infractions. Under the consent decree, the district will take steps to create safe and inclusive learning environments in all Meridian schools, including providing students with supports and interventions before excluding them from school; limiting the use of discipline measures that remove students from the classroom; ensuring that discipline consequences are fair and consistent; establishing clear guidelines for when law enforcement intervention is appropriate; providing training to give teachers and administrators the tools necessary to manage their schools in a safe, effective and positive manner; and building data-driven monitoring and accountability systems.
Sponsored By
U.S. Department of Justice