Are Enfield schools criminalizing adolescent behavior?

 

Enfield School District suspension rates by year. Black suspension are consistently high. The sharp decline in suspensions in the 2020-21 school year was a result of school 2020 school year was a result of COVID-related school closings. 

The Enfield Town Council is set to approve approximately $200,000 tonight for police equipment to support its armed guards—a decision already settled in previous debates. However, as we move forward, it's crucial that we examine the broader implications of this action and address some concerning trends within our community.

Last year, 42 students were arrested in Enfield Public Schools, with incidents evenly distributed between JFK Middle School and Enfield High School. This data alone prompts a serious discussion, but when coupled with the suspension and expulsion statistics, it becomes even more alarming. Approximately 21% of Black students were suspended, compared to 13% of Hispanic students and more than 8% of white students. This pattern of racial disparity has persisted over the years, raising significant concerns about the equality of our disciplinary practices.

While the effects of deploying armed guards in our schools remain uncertain — potentially leading to either an increase in arrests and suspensions or a deterrent against misconduct — one thing is clear: we need more detailed data to understand these dynamics fully. The School District and Enfield Police Department should provide comprehensive reports on the students arrested, including their age, race, the nature of the offense, and court outcomes.

Considering that 22 of the 42 arrests were at the JFK middle school, we need to ask if we are criminalizing adolescent behavior? 

Furthermore, by not proactively addressing these disproportionate suspension rates among Black students, we must consider whether we are inadvertently perpetuating systemic racism. What are the long-term educational outcomes of these high suspension rates? Are these disparities in arrests and suspensions potentially violating civil rights, and could they expose Enfield to legal challenges?

As the town prepares to invest a significant sum in security equipment, perhaps it's time to also allocate resources towards a deeper investigation into these troubling patterns. Conducting an equity study is one approach. This study should analyze the data we already collect to identify and address areas of racial disparity. Reviewing our policies and training with an equity lens could help uncover and rectify systemic issues contributing to these disparities.

Engagement from the community is essential. We should involve parents — especially those from marginalized groups — along with educators and students, in this initiative. Funding should also be provided to hire an external, neutral consulting firm to assist in organizing and executing this effort.

Enfield must not accept this ongoing disparity as the status quo. By taking comprehensive and inclusive action now, we can work towards a fairer and more equitable system for all our students.

Even if there is a question about the data reported by some communities, Enfield's arrest rate is alarming. We're one of the lowest funded communities in per pupil spending, but number two in the state in arrest rate for 2022-23. The arrest rate per 1,000 students, when compared to all the towns and cities with larger populations:

Waterbury - 11.28

Enfield - 8.55

New Britain - 5.97

West Haven - 3.68

Danbury - 2.97

Stratford - 2.37

Manchester - 2.26

Stamford - 2.23

Bristol - 1.93

Norwalk - 1.91

Hamden - 1.83

New Haven - 1.67

Meriden - 1.62

Middletown - 1.35

Wallingford - 1.12

Hartford - 1.01

West Hartford - 0.87

Greenwich - 0.70

Bridgeport - 0.31

East Hartford - 0.00

Fairfield - 0.00

Southington - 0.00
Note: This data is publicly available. Anyone can see this data for themselves by searching year by year. https://public-edsight.ct.gov/overview/profile-and-performance-reports?language=en_US