Aaron Kupchik

Aaron Kupchik, a sociology professor and author of "Suspended Education," unpacks the harmful effects of school suspensions, particularly on Black students. He discusses how suspensions disrupt education without improving behavior and reveals their historical roots tied to racial injustice post-desegregation. Kupchik illustrates the impact of implicit racial bias through compelling stories, urging a shift from punitive practices to restorative methods. His research highlights the need for reform to better support marginalized communities in the educational system.

Aaron Kupchik, a sociologist and author specializing in school punishment, dives into the troubling legacy of racial injustice in education. He reveals how suspension rates surged post-Brown v. Board of Education, serving primarily to exclude Black students from classrooms. Through Marcus's story, he highlights the implicit biases in school discipline. Kupchik calls for systemic reform, arguing that punitive measures harm not just students, but also their families and communities, demanding compassionate alternatives that promote engagement rather than exclusion.