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Local NonProfit Leads Conversation: “N. C. Public Schools Suspend Black Students at Higher Rates”

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

Durham, N.C. – On  December 5th, Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC), gathered community leaders and advocates to discuss current discipline practices, share personal experiences, and report on discipline disparities experienced by Black students in our local schools.  

Local nonprofit Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC) leads the conversation on discipline disparities impacting North Carolina students.

Various personal experiences and perspectives were shared. Several participants shared stories where cultural differences resulted in disciplinary action for themselves or their children. “One teacher told my son that he ‘should’ stop doing something at the playground and disciplined him when he chose not to; however, I speak very directly to my children, which is common in my culture. Telling a child that they ‘should’ do something is a suggestion, not a direction,” explained one participant.  

“We believe that our schools must treat every child where they are, especially in situations of conflict and disagreement,” Jovonia Lewis, Executive Director of EPiC, said.  “Our unique programs focus on parent empowerment and advocacy and provide irreplaceable resources and tools to help parents create better schools for their children. With the goal of disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, our monthly community forums bring those with lived experiences together to find solutions.”

“By consistently coming together in intentional conversation, parents, teachers, and educational leaders can make our schools a place where all children can learn, grow, and thrive,” Program Director Toyia Williams stated. “We believe that when teachers and administrators regularly reflect on their own practices and speak against discriminatory trends, the color of a student’s skin will not predict their academic experience or success.”

“There is a clear pattern here in North Carolina regarding how students are excluded from school and learning through discipline and suspensions. This pattern is consistent with racial disparities,” Brittani Clark, Program Manager at EPiC, said.  “ Our schools should be safe places for all children to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn so they can live fulfilling lives.”

Background:

  • In Durham Public Schools, of the 3,424 students who were denied access to academic instruction through short-term suspensions during the 2021-2022 school year, 2,465 (72%) were Black.  Of the 88 students excluded from learning because of long-term suspensions during the 2021-2022 school year, 67 (76%) were Black
  • North Carolina also leads the nation in excluding students with disabilities from learning and academic environments. 
  • Childcare was provided on-site, and all participants were served a full dinner and given a $25 gift card.
  • Local non-profits we are and Purpose Learning Lab were vendors at the event, allowing parents and caregivers to learn more about their culturally-affirming programs, including summer camps, afterschool programs, and STEM day camps.
  • In 2022, EPiC contributed 17% increased funding to family engagement in 5 majority-minority schools in Durham, North Carolina. 
  • Through EPiC’s ongoing community conversations, more than 95% of families shared that they have increased knowledge about systemic educational inequities.
  • EPiC, Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC-NC.org), was established in 2019

Empowered Parents in Community, EPiC, is a non-profit, 501c3, aiming to cultivate parent leadership and improve family engagement to support their students’ educational needs better. Their mission is to dismantle systemic racial inequities in education.