Unpacking Race-Related Trauma for Black Boys: Implications for School Administrators and School Resource Officers

Abstract

Black boys in K-12 schools in the United States (US) are more likely to be suspended, expelled, and have an encounter with law enforcement leading to arrest in comparison to other racial/gender groups. Far too often, educators and pundits blame Black boys for the disproportionate suspension and expulsion rates instead of critiquing systems that prevent Black boys from thriving. Additionally, there is a need for more research that examines how Black boys experience race-related trauma in schools. This must include investigating encounters with school administrators and law enforcement–-two groups that have a profound impact on disciplinary and life outcomes of Black boys. Further, because there is a gap in the research, we must provide actionable strategies for school administrators and law enforcement to ensure they support Black boys. For this reason, this conceptual article will unpack Henderson et al.’s (2019) framework for race-related trauma and explore how this framework can be used to understand the educational experiences and realities of Black boys. Lastly, we conclude with recommendations for administrators and school resource officers on how to reimagine policies and actions that impact the lives of Black boys