Study: Minnesota students of color twice as likely to be suspended, expelled

Minnesota students of color are twice as likely as their white classmates to be kicked out of school, a new study shows.

The study found that while minorities make up 31 percent of the state’s student population, they receive 66 percent of the suspensions and expulsions.

The report found a similar disparity for students with disabilities.

Native American students were ten times as likely to be disciplined as white students.

The state Human Rights Department says those gaps violate the law because they deny children an education.

The department will work with schools to make sure students are treated equally.

The department did not include discipline from fights, possession of weapons or drugs in its study.