A heavily circulated meme crept back into my consciousness this week and got me thinking.
Have you ever noticed that despite laws claiming otherwise, schools are incentivized to leave children behind?
The pressure on teachers coming from administration and legislators’ unhealthy fixation on test scores manifests in one really ugly way: the school-to-prison pipeline.
The term school-to-prison pipeline refers to the disturbing national trend in which children are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Too often, this trajectory is not the result of criminal behavior but rather a response to harsh disciplinary policies, systemic inequalities, and inadequate support systems.
Black, Brown, disabled, LGBTQ+, and low-income students are disproportionately affected, and typically punished more harshly and more frequently than their peers for the same behavior.
How it Works
This pipeline begins with the focus around test scores and shutting out students who need to move at a different pace than school programming will allow.
But then it escalates even more through ineffective zero-tolerance policies and school resource officers (SROs) who criminalize minor infractions such as tardiness, defiance, or classroom disruptions.
Rather than being handled by educators or counselors, issues are referred to law enforcement, leading to suspensions, expulsions, and arrests that push students out of school and onto a path of marginalization and incarceration.
According to the ACLU, students who are suspended or expelled are nearly three times more likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system the following year. This pipeline not only robs young people of their education; it diminishes their futures and perpetuates cycles of poverty and incarceration.
Examining the Parallels: Conditioning Through Control
Under-resourced schools often resemble correctional facilities more than places of learning. Metal detectors, surveillance cameras, armed officers, and compliance-focused environments foster a culture of fear and control. Students are trained to submit, comply, and expect punishment.
Just like in prisons, minor infractions lead to harsh consequences. Students lose autonomy, are constantly monitored, and receive punishments that remove them from the learning environment. These conditions condition children to expect criminal justice interventions instead of educational support.
According to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, this overreliance on discipline and policing creates a carceral atmosphere that teaches students—especially those already marginalized—that their place is not in the classroom but behind bars.
What It Takes to End It
1. Eliminate Zero-Tolerance Discipline
Research shows that zero-tolerance policies are ineffective at improving school safety or behavior. Schools must shift toward restorative justice practices that emphasize accountability, healing, and community engagement over punishment.
2. Invest in Counselors, Not Cops
Many school districts have more police officers than counselors. That imbalance sends a dangerous message: that control is more important than care. Hiring more mental health professionals and social workers can help address trauma and conflict with compassion, not force.
3. Train Educators on Implicit Bias
Implicit bias leads to disproportionate punishment of students of color and those with disabilities. Anti-racism and equity training for teachers and administrators can help dismantle these biases and ensure fairer treatment in disciplinary decisions.
4. Strengthen Community Schools
Community schools integrate academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and civic engagement. These institutions can provide safe, supportive environments that help students thrive.
5. End Arrests for Minor Infractions
States and local governments must decriminalize minor school-based behaviors and restrict the presence and power of law enforcement on campuses. Students should never be handcuffed for being late to class or having a phone out.
6. Advocate for Policy Change
Support legislation that limits exclusionary discipline, funds restorative justice programs, and prioritizes student wellness. Join campaigns like Dignity in Schools or support local organizing efforts fighting to dismantle the pipeline.
The Future is Ours to Shape
Ending the school-to-prison pipeline is not just about reforming schools; it’s about reimagining how we value and support young people, especially those most at risk. It requires systemic change, deep investment, and a commitment to justice that begins in the classroom, not the courtroom.
