Kiera Wilmot: How Her Arrest and Expulsion Exposes America's Racial Discipline Gap

The Polk County School released the following statement:

Anytime a student makes a bad choice it is disappointing to us. Unfortunately, the incident that occurred at Bartow High School yesterday was a serious breach of conduct. In order to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, we simply must uphold our code of conduct rules. We urge our parents to join us in conveying the message that there are consequences to actions. We will not compromise the safety and security of our students and staff.

A serious breach of conduct? As Feministings’ Sesali Bowen rightfully points out, the schools code of conduct states that an individuals intention is a factor in determining whether or not a breach of a rule has been committed or not. Even the principal has acknowledged that Kiera didn’t mean to hurt anyone and that she just wanted to see what would happen when the chemicals mixed.

Kiera has never been in trouble at school, she has straight A’s and loves science. She confessed to everything as soon school officials began to question her. Data shows that African American students are subject to more harsh discipline in public schools than their white counterparts. This data comes from the Department of Education which found that African-American students were 3-1/2 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than their white peers. Seventy percent of students arrested referred to law enforcement are African American or Latino.