Dr. Norman White received the 2017 Dr. John M. Anderson Excellence in Mental Health Award from the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund and the St. Louis American Foundation for his work with Shut it Down.
Creating safe, healthy learning environments
National school data show that in the United States African American students are suspended or expelled at a rate of three times their white peers, with racial disparities persistent even when holding constant socioeconomic status, history of behavior, and type of infraction. In recent years, researchers and practitioners have described the impact of this disparate treatment as providing a “pipeline into prison”. Although much of the focus on the ‘school to prison pipeline’ has been directed towards older youth and the consequences they experience as a result of zero tolerance policies, we must recognize that a child's relationship with school is built early. Thus, these racial inequities can only be addressed effectively by starting at the beginning. We work with educators to create healthy learning environments that celebrate all of our children and nourish their social, emotional, and cognitive development.