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The hidden consequences of school suspensions: Insights from 'Suspended Education'

University of Delaware's Aaron Kupchik explores the drawbacks of school suspension, particularly for children of color.

Mar 25, 2025

1 min

Aaron Kupchik

School suspensions have long been a traditional disciplinary strategy used by educational institutions to address behavioral issues. Often perceived as a straightforward solution to handle disruptive conduct, suspensions remove the student from the school environment, theoretically allowing learning to proceed unhindered.

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University of Delaware sociology professor Aaron Kupchik explores school suspensions in his new book ‘Suspended Education: School Punishment and the Legacy of Racial Injustice.' He looks at how this practice is intrinsically tied to racial inequality and can have negative long-term impacts on students.


He notes that beneath this seemingly effective measure, a multitude of unintended consequences lurk, some of which profoundly affect both the individual student and the broader community. And often, there is more harm than good done by this measure, particularly for students of color. 


Kupchik has appeared in a number of outlets including Time magazine and Delaware Public Media. He can be reached by clicking on his profile.

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Aaron Kupchik

Aaron Kupchik

Professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice

Professor Kupchik studies school policing, school punishment, and racial inequality.

School SafetySchool PolicingSchool Discipline and PunishmentRacial Inequality in EducationPolicing and Punishment of Youth in Communities

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