“There is no inherent reason for young black males to be suspended from school at significantly higher rates than white males. As a group, they are just as intelligent, they have just as much potential and desire to succeed as any other children. But the fact is, in Maryland last year more than 28,000 black males were suspended for disruptive behavior, compared to 16,000-plus white males. Statewide, black students make up just 38 percent of the total enrollment.
There’s no denying this problem, and leaders in the black community say calling it racial profiling or discrimination is not only inaccurate, it won’t make things better.
A black child is no different than any other child. The one overriding thing all children need is involved, nurturing parents who set clear expectations and goals, then help their children work toward them. Next to parents, peers exert significant pressure on children. Then there’s self-image and the desire to be respected, which can drive misbehavior. And children of all races need fathers just as much as they need mothers.” (more…)
