The Save the Kids organization organized a unique discussion about the School to Prison Pipeline last Tuesday, July 17th from 7-9 PM. The event attracted over 60 people. Robert Rivera, the Assistant Director of Programs at the Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching was invited to speak on the panel at this event. Rivera spoke about the racial disparities among teachers and the importance of cultural competency. Only 3% of K-12 educators in MN are teachers of color. This alone is a major deficit for education in Minnesota. Naomi Taylor, a professor at Hamline University whose office is held in the Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching also spoke on the panel.
Altogether, we discussed many facets of the school to prison pipeline, including the role of teachers, parents, and justice systems, institutional racism, racial disparities among individuals who are incarcerated, and how particular individuals are working within the system to effect change. Most importantly, we discussed what we can do to end the school to prison pipeline.
Look below for a series of photographs from the event and an attached slideshow that provides comprehensive facts about the school to prison pipeline.
Facebook Event Link: http://www.facebook.com/events/381954695193751/
When: July 17, 2012 – 7PM to 9PM
Where: Fontbonne Hall, Room 103
St. Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN
Speakers on the Panel:
Nicole Randolph, Center Director, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center
Mustafa Shabazz, MBL, has ten years experience working with youth and adults involved in the criminal justice system.
Dr. Nancy Heitzeg, Professor of Sociology and Critical Studies of Race and Ethnicity, St. Catherine University
Kenny Vaughns, Juvenile Correctional Officer, Hennepin Juvenile Detention Center
Naomi R. Taylor, Lecturer, Hamline University
Dr. Anthony J. Nocella II, Visiting Professor, Hamline University
Leonel Dorvil, Community Alternatives Liaison, Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative
Robert Rivera, Assistant Director, Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching, Hamline University
Matt Hernandez, Diversity & Equity Consultant, Hip Hop Activist
Members from Save the Kids read poems from past Poetry Behind the Walls journals, written by kids who were incarcerated.
