The Trauma of Black Males Within the Education System

Abstract

This research explores the systemic trauma experienced by Black male students in the U.S. public education system. Three themes were identified: racialized discipline and the school-to-prison pipeline, restorative justice as a mitigation strategy, and the underrepresentation of Black male educators. The paper goes on to examine how practices at City Middle School could be aligned with research, emphasizing the need for culturally sustaining, trauma-informed, and equity-driven approaches. It then explores implications for future research and transformed practice, calling for systemic reforms that prioritize restorative justice, increase Black male educator representation, and dismantle structures that perpetuate educational trauma for Black boys.