Persistent High Suspension Rates for Black Students in Sacramento Schools: Legal Settlements and Broken Promises

Despite numerous commitments to combat systemic racism and unfair discipline practices, recent state statistics reveal that Sacramento City Unified and Elk Grove Unified school districts continue to suspend Black students at alarmingly high rates in California. Between 2022 and 2023, Black student suspensions soared to 15.3% in Sacramento City Unified and nearly 11% in Elk Grove Unified, starkly surpassing the district averages. The most affected schools include Rosemont High and Valley High, each exceeding 26% suspension rates in 2024. Dr. Luke Wood's 2018 research underscores these disparities, finding Sacramento County to have the highest suspension rates statewide for Black students. Recent initiatives, led by Elk Grove’s Lisa Levasseur, aim to reduce suspensions through restorative practices and staff training. However, challenges remain. The ongoing struggle for equitable treatment in schools reflects systemic biases, causing significant long-term consequences for Black students, as identified in various studies linking exclusions to increased mental health issues and risks of incarceration.