The “school to prison pipeline” has become a popular phrase lately, but it isn’t just a hot tagline devoid of meaning. Kids who are criminalized at a young age are far more likely to be a fixture in the criminal justice system when they get older. This “pipeline” from school to prison is no more apparent than in Dallas Public Schools, where the Dallas County truancy courts prosecuted 36,000 cases last year alone. It’s this practice—of cuffing, prosecuting, and fining kids at an alarming rate—that has Dallas facing a potential civil rights lawsuit. [Read more…]
Texas Justice Calls for Criminal Justice Reforms
“If the remedy is unaffordable, justice is denied.”
Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson “held court” in front of a joint session of the state Legislature last week and indicated major changes are needed in the Texas justice system. Namely, he said, justice is currently only afforded to those who can afford it. He also questioned the criminalization of school children and how the state plans to deal with wrongful convictions. [Read more…]
When School Discipline Results in Criminal Charges
Two decades ago, if you were caught skipping school, fighting on school grounds, or caught with cigarettes, you would likely be given detention, possibly suspended, and had a serious “talking to”. But things are different now in Texas schools and kids are being ticketed and even arrested for such things. Not only does the punishment far outweigh the “crime” in many of these cases, but the punishment could start a child down the long road of a life within the criminal justice system. [Read more…]
Juvenile Lockup to Hold “Worst of the Worst”
No one likes the idea of kids behind bars. But that’s exactly where some of the most violent juvenile offenders in Texas may end up now that the state has decided to reopen part of a lockup near Mart. It will be reserved for the “worst of the worst,” according to officials. [Read more…]
Are School Suspensions an Indication of Future Criminality?
A new study commissioned by the Council of State Governments Justice Center has revealed startling numbers when it comes to Texas children and suspension from school. The study, called Breaking Schools’ Rules, found that of 1 million students tracked over a period of six years, 60% were suspended or expelled at least one time. [Read more…]
Texas Juvenile Justice Reforms Promote Treatment Over Incarceration
A bill that changes how the state approaches juvenile justice matters was signed last week by Governor Rick Perry. The bill looks not only to save money but to save children from a life of crime, something more likely to happen if they are locked up in an institution. And perhaps surprisingly, it was a bill that received overwhelming support from both major political parties. [Read more…]
Texas Issuing More Disorderly Conduct Tickets in the Classrooms
What once would have got you detention or in house suspension can now get your child a ticket for disorderly conduct. Yes, according to The Texas Tribune, Texas Appleseed released new data this week regarding criminal citations issued in the schools. [Read more…]
