Student Discipline Disparity in Maryland

This study examines whether disproportionate rates of suspensions and expulsions exist for racial/ethnic minority students and special education students in Maryland during the period 2009/10 to 2011/12.

Key findings from the report include:

•    In 2011/12, 5 percent of Maryland students received an out-of-school suspension or expulsion. This was a slight drop from 5.6 percent in 2009/10.

•    In all 24 Maryland school systems, black students received out-of-school suspension or expulsion at more than twice the rate of white students.

•    Statewide, students in special education were removed from school at more than twice the rate of other students.

•    For the same type of infraction, black students had higher rates of out-of-school suspension or expulsion than did Hispanic or white students.

The analyses in this report can serve as a useful model for other states and school districts who want to examine trends and patterns in student discipline.