The Interrelationships of Politicization of School Shootings, Focal Concerns, and Racial Disproportionality in School Discipline Policies

Abstract

School shootings have redefined perceptions and definitions of school violence, elevating incidences of misbehaviors and rule infractions to consistent violent threats. School shootings are rare but that important fact is lost in the debate and political rhetoric. What is also atypical are school shootings involving minority students and even more uncommon school shootings at minority schools. However, minority students have disproportionately experienced the latent effects of these policies. Few studies have offered systematic theoretical explanations for racial disciplinary disproportionality. This chapter outlines a theoretical argument using the “focal concerns” perspective to link the latent impact of the politicization of school shootings to continued racial disproportionality in school discipline. The discussion and analysis show the role of the politicization of school shootings has played in redefining and expanding the definition of school violence or school misbehaviors. Policy suggestions based in socio-political and psychological frameworks are also outlined.