What Is the School-to-Prison Pipeline?

The school-to-prison pipeline is a term used to describe the growing pattern of students being funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. It is a disturbing national trend in which harsh school discipline policies and practices contribute to students—particularly those most at risk—being pushed out of the classroom and into the court system.

This pipeline is fueled by a range of policies and factors, including:

  • Zero-tolerance disciplinary policies, which mandate severe consequences such as suspension, expulsion, or arrest for even minor infractions like dress code violations, talking back, or being late.
  • Increased presence of law enforcement in schools, such as School Resource Officers (SROs), who often handle disciplinary matters that used to be managed by teachers or administrators.
  • Racial and socioeconomic disparities, where Black, Latino, Indigenous students, students with disabilities, and those from low-income families are disproportionately affected by punitive policies.
  • High-stakes testing and academic pressures, which can marginalize students who struggle in traditional academic settings and lead to tracking them out of college-preparatory courses and into vocational or remedial programs.
  • Underfunded schools and lack of support services, where students with behavioral or emotional challenges do not receive adequate counseling or academic support.

Why It Matters

The school-to-prison pipeline reflects systemic inequalities in the education and justice systems. Instead of receiving the support they need, many students are criminalized for behaviors that could be addressed within the school setting. This can lead to:

  • Lower graduation rates
  • Increased involvement with the criminal justice system
  • Lifelong negative impacts on employment, income, and mental health

Addressing the school-to-prison pipeline requires rethinking how we discipline students, investing in mental health and counseling services, and ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have access to a supportive and equitable education.