Causal Pathway Mapping

Hamilton County in Ohio currently has the highest suspension rates in the state. The state average is approximately 11.2% of students will experience a suspension while students in three Hamilton County schools see approximately 50% of students experiencing a suspension each year (Ohio Board of Education, 2017). Current research shows students experiencing suspensions are more likely to enter the prison system after the age of 18 (Basford, L., Lewis, J., Trout, M., 2021; Bacher-Hicks, A. et al., 2021).

Zero-tolerance policy in schools was designed to reduce the use of illicit drugs and presence of deadly weapons in the school. This policy allowed schools to utilize law enforcement as punishment and allowed for suspension and expulsion. This policy has been shown to disproportionately impact students of color- C.

Quality of Education is directly impacted by funding provided by tax dollars and state resources. In addition to the funding, students who experience suspensions and expulsions are missing out on valuable instruction which puts students at an academic disadvantage.

Disproportionate impact on Black and Brown students- Several constructs disproportionately impact students of color including: zero tolerance policy, discrimination, social exclusion, and lower SES.

Lower SES- SES includes education, employment and income. Approximately 16.2% of Hamilton county residents are living in poverty- which is higher than the state average of 14.2% (Ohio Poverty report, 2020). The Zero-tolerance policy in the school is leading to a lower overall quality of education for students of color which directly impacts the students ability to attend a college/university and directly impacts the future earnings which leads to elevated stress levels, lower mental health, & decreased access to healthcare.

Elevated Stress- Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels. Overtime, elevated levels of cortisol can lead to obesity, heart disease, and increased risk of various cancers. A lower SES can cause stress due to a lack of necessities (or worry about the lack) such as food, shelter, and safety.

Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and/or psychological disorders are often left untreated in youth due to a lack recognition. Often these behaviors present as distress but are seen as “troubled youth” and are expelled or suspended from school instead of treated. The lack of access to health care, discrimination in the schools and/or health care system are impact these issues.

Discrimination- People of color experience racism in both policy enforcement, healthcare, and in the workforce. These leads to increase stress, anxiety, and social exclusion.

Social exclusion is tied to discrimination. Social capital leads to the amount of influence and individual has over their community, behavior, and outcomes. Social exclusion is often experienced by individuals labeled as ‘troubled’. A lack of social support leads to higher levels of high-risk behaviors, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Potential Intervention Points:

A. Zero-tolerance policy: potential interventions include education programs for school administrators. (Topics include: trauma informed care for principals and trauma informed pedagogy for teachers).

E. Biological Factors- Elevated Stress: Include socio-emotional learning in school programs for students

I. Social Exclusion: Work with community leaders to provide mentorship for students in schools. Utilize existing programs (such as Boys and Girls Club) or meet with mentors to work directly in the schools.

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