Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education, will discuss on Friday in Chicago the Office for Civil Rights' work to reduce racial disparities in school discipline. She will deliver her remarks at a symposium sponsored by the Loyola University Chicago School of Law entitled, "Discipline in Schools: Moving Beyond Zero Tolerance."
OCR has released data showing that students of color across America face harsher discipline, have less access to rigorous high school curricula and are more often taught by lower-paid and less experienced teachers. Updated figures reveal that the nation's young men and boys of color are disproportionately affected by suspensions and zero-tolerance policies in schools. Earlier this year, the Education and Justice departments announced a school discipline guidance package aimed at enhancing school climate and improving school discipline policies and practices.
The Obama Administration strongly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and education is crucial to the economic strength and security of our nation and communities. The Department of Education's work is focused on ensuring all students receive an education that prepares them for success in life and their career, through programs including Race to the Top, ConnectED, School Improvement Grants, as well as ED's work to expand access to preschool and make college more affordable.