Dr. Monique W. Morris has released Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools. The film that focuses on the rising number of African American girls who are being unfairly targeted and punished compared to counterparts in schools across the country.
It is without a doubt that there is a growing disparity in the way people of color, even more so Black people, are being treated in general across the country. But if there was one place our children should feel safe outside of our homes, it is within our schools. However, this is becoming more untrue especially for black girls at an alarming rate which is the foundation of Dr. Monique W. Morris’ documentary, Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.
Black female students are finding themselves singled out and more severely punished in public and private educational institutions. According to the statistical information provided by the film, Black girls are six times more likely to be suspended or physically restrained than their white peers.
While these abuses of power tend to go viral when caught on camera, the problem is often not specifically addressed or lost in the broader spectrum of racial discrimination issues on a national level. Pushout brings these stories back to the forefront while offering intelligent solutions including highlighting the need for the hiring of more Black educators.
Though some critics may feel that Pushout doesn’t go far enough in holding parents accountable for the role they may play in situations where their children are clearly misbehaving, Morris offers insightful reading materials that cover things beyond the scope of the film.
“I address parental engagement and partnership in my books so I would encourage everyone to read them. The documentary is only one hour and seventeen minutes. The books have a deeper engagement with some of the historical issues because I do think the framing is critical.”
For more information on Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, visit https://pushoutfilm.com/
