Buncombe County Black Youth Disproportionately Sent to Justice System
New data presented at a recent Juvenile Crime Prevention Council meeting reveals a troubling trend in Buncombe County, where Black youth are disproportionately sent to the criminal justice system compared to their peers. The statistics shed light on deep-seated inequalities that demand urgent attention.
School Justice Partnership Strives to Break the Cycle
The School Justice Partnership, established in 2020 by a coalition of law enforcement and educational officials, aims to address the longstanding issue known as the “school-to-prison” pipeline. Despite ongoing efforts, some school resource officers continue to advocate for court intervention in cases that the partnership believes could be handled internally within schools.
Disproportionate Treatment
Data from the N.C. Department of Juvenile Justice for the fiscal year 2022-23 shows that Black youths, who make up only 9% of the youth population aged 6-17 in Buncombe County, accounted for a striking 32% of delinquent and undisciplined complaints filed against juveniles.
Addressing Root Causes
Keynon Lake, founder of My Daddy Taught Me That, a local nonprofit supporting young men, attributes the disparity to factors such as poverty, limited access to resources, and a significant achievement gap faced by Black students in the region. Academic proficiency rates for Black students in math and reading lag far behind those of their white counterparts, exacerbating the challenge.
The Call for Diversity
Both Lake and Jorge Redmond, chair of the JCPC, stress the importance of increasing diversity among teachers to foster better cultural understanding and empathy among students. They emphasize the pivotal role representation plays in shaping behaviors and outcomes for young learners.
Changing Response and Accountability
The School Justice Partnership advocates for a tiered approach to addressing student behaviors, seeking to divert minor infractions away from the court system whenever possible. Reducing the number of referrals into the justice system while prioritizing student safety remains a key objective.
Challenges and Progress
Despite efforts to shift away from petitioning the court for minor offenses like disorderly conduct, some school resource officers continue to push for legal action. However, stakeholders acknowledge the need for ongoing dialogue and education to effect meaningful change in the system.
Conclusion
The concerning disparities in the treatment of Black youth in the Buncombe County justice system underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms and targeted interventions to address underlying inequalities. By fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment, stakeholders hope to break the cycle of disproportionate representation and ensure a brighter future for all young members of the community.
