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Why Black girls are targeted for punishment at school -- and how to change that

2,047,318 views |

Monique W. Morris |

TEDWomen 2018

• November 2018

Around the world, Black girls are being pushed out of schools because of policies that target them for punishment, says author and social justice scholar Monique W. Morris. The result: countless girls are forced into unsafe futures with restricted opportunities. How can we put an end to this crisis? In an impassioned talk, Morris uncovers the causes of "pushout" and shows how we can work to turn all schools into spaces where Black girls can heal and thrive.

Around the world, Black girls are being pushed out of schools because of policies that target them for punishment, says author and social justice scholar Monique W. Morris. The result: countless girls are forced into unsafe futures with restricted opportunities. How can we put an end to this crisis? In an impassioned talk, Morris uncovers the causes of "pushout" and shows how we can work to turn all schools into spaces where Black girls can heal and thrive.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Monique W. Morris

Monique W. Morris

Author, social justice scholar

See speaker profile

As Monique W. Morris writes: "I believe in a justice not associated with any form of oppression. I work for it and I write about it."

Monique W. Morris | The New Press, 2018 | Book

Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

I wrote this book to help the public better understand what facilitates school pushout for Black girls — the policies, practices, conditions and prevailing consciousness that criminalize and exclude children from learning environments. It relies heavily on the expert narratives of girls who have experienced suspensions, expulsions and incarceration: as the community most impacted by the problem, they are also the ones we should look to for solutions to the crisis.

Angela Y. Davis | Seven Stories Press, 2003 | Book

Are Prisons Obsolete?

One of the primary scholars on justice and the Black freedom movement, Dr. Davis raises critical questions in this book about school-to-confinement pathways and why we should work to "transform schools into vehicles for decarceration." It will challenge you. It will free you.

The National Crittenton Foundation, 2015 | Article

"The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Survey: Toolkit for Providers"

This is a toolkit for providers to help them better understand what Adverse Childhood Experiences are—and how we can work with girls in crisis to foster conditions for healing from trauma

Girls for Gender Equity, 2017 | Article

"The Schools Girls Deserve: Youth-Driven Solutions for Creating Safe, Holistic, and Affirming New York City Public Schools"

This is an important report produced from a Participatory Action Research project by girls, young women and nonbinary youth about the schools they deserve. Straightforward and critical reading.

Monique W. Morris | NowThis, 2018 | Watch

"Author Monique Morris Shines A Light On The Black Girl's Unique Experience In America"

Watch Dr. Morris explain in how African American girls are impacted by school pushout — in less than five minutes.

The California Endowment, 2016 | Watch

"PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools -- Mini Documentary"

This mini documentary explores how exclusionary discipline impacts Black girls in the US.

Monique W. Morris | Ford Foundation, 2016 | Watch

"Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools"

Dr. Monique Morris and Dr. Douglas Wood discuss her book PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools at the Ford Foundation.

The National Women's Law Center | Explore

Let Her Learn Campaign

From reports generated by participatory research, to toolkits for parents and schools, this campaign is an important one to follow.

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The National Black Women's Justice Institute

NBWJI produces research reports and conducts training and technical assistance with practitioners to interrupt school-to-confinement pathways for girls and counter the criminalization of Black women, girls, and their families.

Prince | Lovesexy, 1988 | Listen

In my mind, everyone should listen to Prince ... but in particular, this song about the revolutionary and transformative power of love.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.