A separate study found that darker skinned black girls were punished three times as often as fairer skinned girls.
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A recent analysis by Villanova University researchers revealed Black girls endure harsh racial biases based on their skin color when compared to their white counterparts. Their findings suggest a direct link between a young girl’s skin color and the severity of her consequences for behavioral issues in school. Black girls receive stricter punishments on average than young white girls who were accused of the same action.
A notable incident showcasing racial bias is of Mikia Hutchings, a 12 year old African American girl from Stockbridge, Georgia. Mikia, who teachers described as a great student with the grades to boot, allegedly scribbled “Hi” on a Dutchtown Middle School bathroom door, with a Caucasian schoolmate. Mikia was ordered to write an apology letter and complete 16 hours of community service. She spent her summer on probation with a 7:00pm curfew while her white friend, who equally participated in the vandalizing, endured a simple slap on the wrist.
Both families were asked to pay $100 in restitution. The white family paid, and the girl returned to school as normal. The Hutchings family disputed the accusations and couldn’t pay the fine. Soon after, Mikia’s grandmother was served with papers by the local Sheriff’s Department that accused Mikia of defacing property and criminal trespassing. She was also warned that her misdemeanor charges could become felony charges.
A recent analysis by Villanova University researchers revealed Black girls endure harsh racial biases based on their skin color when compared to their white counterparts. Their findings suggest a direct link between a young girl’s skin color and the severity of her consequences for behavioral issues in school. Black girls receive stricter punishments on average than young white girls who were accused of the same action.
A notable incident showcasing racial bias is of Mikia Hutchings, a 12 year old African American girl from Stockbridge, Georgia. Mikia, who teachers described as a great student with the grades to boot, allegedly scribbled “Hi” on a Dutchtown Middle School bathroom door, with a Caucasian schoolmate. Mikia was ordered to write an apology letter and complete 16 hours of community service. She spent her summer on probation with a 7:00pm curfew while her white friend, who equally participated in the vandalizing, endured a simple slap on the wrist.
Both families were asked to pay $100 in restitution. The white family paid, and the girl returned to school as normal. The Hutchings family disputed the accusations and couldn’t pay the fine. Soon after, Mikia’s grandmother was served with papers by the local Sheriff’s Department that accused Mikia of defacing property and criminal trespassing. She was also warned that her misdemeanor charges could become felony charges.
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This article originally appeared on Uptown Magazine.
racism is alive and well in america