Study Finds Schools with More Black Students Have More Security

The study also found racial disparities in suspension and arrest rates among schools with higher security measures.

A study found a correlation between the amount of black students at schools and their campus security measures.

The study shows that schools with more black students are more likely to have security measures in place, according to talkingpointsmemo.com.

“The proportion of African-American students was a significant predictor of security even when controlling for the same background characteristics and crime misconduct within the school,” the study’s authors, who used data from around 700 schools nationwide, wrote.

The study suggests that the perceived threat of African-American students, rather than an actual threat of misconduct, plays a role in a school’s security measures.

The study’s results also show racial disparities in student punishments at schools with higher security measures. In schools without significant security measures, black students were twice as likely as their white classmates to be suspended, but in schools with more security, black students were three times as likely to be suspended.

RELATED: Footage of School Resource Officer Throwing Student Brings Controversy

The researchers also looked at racial disparities in arrest rates in schools with police officers present. In schools without police, arrest rates were similar between white and black students, but in schools with police, black students were 2.2 times more likely to be arrested than white students.

The full results of the study have not yet been released, and its authors cautioned that the disproportional arrest rates of black students “should require careful reexamination.”

The study’s authors, two professors at New York universities, will present the complete study at the American Educational Research Association conference in April.

If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century

This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!

Get Our Newsletters
Campus Safety Conference promo