IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa City’s Office of Equity and Human Rights will hold a conversation looking at the role public schools may or may not play in students ending up in the prison system.
In a press release sent out by the City of Iowa City, it stated that elements of the U.S. criminal justice system have popped up in public schools nationwide, including zero tolerance policies and student policing that disproportionately affect children of color.
The conversation will revolve around examining an original exhibit by the African American Museum of Iowa called “Suspended: Systemic Oppression in Our Schools” that covers the topic, as well as discussing ways to eliminate systems that fuel the school-to-prison pipeline.
Sam Black will be a presenter at the event. He is a School Resource Officer, where he creates curriculums in public schools and works one-on-one with students. Black’s work in schools has allowed him an inside-look at legislation impacting schools, behaviors, power struggles and management decisions that have shaped America’s public education.
The event will be held on Monday, Nov. 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Iowa City Public Library’s Meeting Room A.
Admission is free and registration isn’t required.
The Office of Equity and Human Rights created this community conversation in collaboration with the Iowa City Public Library and the African American Museum of Iowa.