American Economic Journal:
Economic Policy
ISSN 1945-7731 (Print) | ISSN 1945-774X (Online)
The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Long-Run Impacts of School Suspensions on Adult Crime
American Economic Journal: Economic Policy
vol. 16,
no. 4, November 2024
(pp. 165–93)
Abstract
Schools must balance student behavior management with the potential negatives of strict discipline. These policies can deter misbehavior but may stigmatize students and expose them to the criminal justice system early. We assess the impact of attending a strict discipline school on achievement, educational attainment, and adult criminal activity. Using data from a boundary change and principal switches, we find that higher suspension rates have significant negative long-term effects. Students at such schools are 15–20 percent more likely to be arrested and incarcerated as adults. Negative impacts on educational attainment are particularly pronounced for males and students of color.Citation
Bacher-Hicks, Andrew, Stephen B. Billings, and David J. Deming. 2024. "The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Long-Run Impacts of School Suspensions on Adult Crime." American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 16 (4): 165–93. DOI: 10.1257/pol.20230052Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- H75 State and Local Government: Health; Education; Welfare; Public Pensions
- I21 Analysis of Education
- I28 Education: Government Policy
- J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
- K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
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