Racial Inequity in Special Education

This initiative addresses disparities in the mid-Atlantic and North Eastern states and has two goals:

• Collaborative Research: 

We will report on the degree of racial disparity in special education at the state and district level and analyze efforts by federal and state educational agencies to address this issue. The Center will also continue to seek partnerships with other universities and organizations seeking to remedy racial inequity in special education.

• Administrative Advocacy:  

Beginning in Winter 2012, the Center began to actively redress large racial disparities in identification, placement and discipline for students with disabilities. These efforts use available administrative avenues, such as filing complaints with the state or federal department of education, to prompt school districts to examine large disparities and intervene where appropriate.