MPR News with Angela Davis

Academic discipline: It’s different for black girls

A poster advertising a showing of the documentary "Pushout"
A poster advertising a showing of the documentary “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools" at the Brooklyn Center library.
Tarkor Zehn | MPR News 2019

In Minnesota, young black girls are about 8.5 times more likely to be suspended than their white female peers — much higher than the national average, according to a report from the National Women’s Law Center.

A documentary called “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools” debuted last year and brought national attention to the issue.

During the live program, we heard from a 13-year-old middle school student in Elk River on how she’s standing up against racism in her school and from a public school teacher who wanted to learn best practices during intense moments in the schools.

Guests:

Neda Renee Kellogg is the founder and executive director of Project DIVA, a personal development and coaching organization for young black girls in grades 3-12.

Keeya Allen works for St. Louis Park Schools as a grade-level coordinator where she acts as a liaison between families and school staff. In the district, she created Girls Empowerment Group for grades 5-8 and helped spearhead the Courageous Student Initiative, a summer outreach program.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

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