Video Project
In their PBS documentary, co-directors Jacoba Atlas and Monique W. Morris, author of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, examine the disproportionate degree of punitive, rather than restorative, action to which black girls are subjected. Unlike their white peers, they're more likely to be physically restrained, suspended, expelled, referred to law enforcement, and arrested. Twelve-year-old honor student Samaya, who was seven at the time, recalls being dragged out of the classroom by her teacher for arguing with another student. After repeatedly being singled out for punishment, she considered suicide. Her parents, who doubted her at first, ended up sending her to another school. She also needed therapy to regain her self-esteem. Other student speakers include 16-year-old Emma who suffered from feelings of alienation, 18-year-old Kiara Jean who struggled with anger management, and 19-year-old Terriana who spent more time in the streets than in school. Prior to desegregation, these students would have been more likely to have a black female teacher, since it was a popular calling for women of color. Now black educators only make up 7% of the teaching population. Other speakers cite the adultification of black girls, who tend to experience puberty earlier. As Morris notes, they're more likely to be seen as mature and maternal, so when they slip up, their mistakes are seen as less forgivable. UCLA and Columbia law professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, who developed the theory of intersectionality, adds, "They're never just girls." Other speakers include teachers, principals, and judges. As for the students, all of the young women featured in the film have been able to get their lives back on track with proper guidance. Concludes Samaya, "You don't have to let your experiences push you down. It's really going to get better." Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (K. Fennessy)