FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRLS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

African American girls face significant barriers to educational attainment, including lack of access to quality educational opportunities; pervasive racial and gender stereotypes that affect the decision making of school leaders and educators; discriminatory discipline practices that disproportionately push them out of school; high rates of exposure to sexual harassment and  violence; juvenile justice system involvement; and lack of support for those who are pregnant or parenting while still in school.

In almost all states, the high school graduation rate for African American girls is significantly below that of white girls...African American girls are behind on a range of academic measures related to college readiness. These systemic educational barriers and challenges produce life-long economic obstacles, such as limited job opportunities, lower earnings, and disproportionate representation among those in poverty.

As a result, African American girls are uniquely vulnerable to a “School-to-Poverty Pathway.

READ MORE: http://www.nwlc.org/resource/unlocking-opportunity-african-american-girls-call-action-educational-equity?utm