Demerits and Discrimination: The Link Between Punishment and Privilege

Punishment is often touted as a necessary component of maintaining discipline and order. However, the way punishment is implemented can often perpetuate systemic discrimination and privilege. In many cases, demerits, or punishments given in schools and other institutions for minor infractions, play a critical role in perpetuating this cycle. This article will explore the link between demerits, discrimination, and privilege, and what can be done to break that cycle.

Demerits and Discrimination: An Overview

Demerits are disciplinary measures taken in schools and other institutions to punish minor infractions, such as tardiness or dress code violations. While seemingly innocuous, the practice of using demerits can have significant implications in perpetuating discrimination and privilege.

Firstly, demerits are often disproportionately given to marginalized groups, such as students of color and individuals with disabilities. A study conducted by the National Women’s Law Center found that Black girls are disproportionately punished for minor infractions, such as dress code violations, in comparison to their white counterparts. Similarly, students with disabilities are often punished for behaviors related to their condition, such as stimming or fidgeting.

Secondly, demerits can contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, a system in which students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, are pushed out of school and into the criminal justice system. The Center for American Progress found that harsh discipline, such as demerits, is a key contributor to the school-to-prison pipeline.

Lastly, demerits can contribute to an environment in which certain individuals are given privileges while others are punished. For example, students with high grades and conduct records may be given “merits,” or rewards, while those with lower grades and conduct records are punished with demerits. This can perpetuate an environment in which certain individuals, typically those who are already privileged, are given more opportunities than others.

Breaking the Cycle: What Can Be Done?

In order to break the cycle of discrimination and privilege perpetuated by demerits and other harsh disciplinary measures, several actions can be taken.

Firstly, schools and other institutions should examine their disciplinary policies for any biases or disproportionate responses to minor infractions. This may involve evaluating the demographic makeup of those who receive demerits and ensuring that policies are fair and unbiased.

Secondly, individuals responsible for administering demerits and other disciplinary measures should be trained in recognizing and addressing implicit biases. This may involve workshops and training sessions that aim to increase awareness of how implicit biases can influence disciplinary decisions.

Thirdly, alternative disciplinary measures should be explored. Restorative justice practices, in which individuals who commit infractions are held accountable for their actions and given opportunities to make amends, have been shown to decrease disciplinary referrals and improve school climate.

Lastly, individuals should work to change societal attitudes towards punishment and discipline. Rather than viewing punishment as necessary to maintain order, we should embrace a more empathetic and compassionate approach. This may involve examining how our current policies contribute to systemic discrimination and privilege, and exploring alternative approaches that prioritize equity and justice.

Conclusion

The link between demerits, discrimination, and privilege is a complex and often overlooked issue. By examining how demerits and other disciplinary measures can perpetuate systemic discrimination and privilege, and taking action to break that cycle, we can create a more just and equitable society. This may involve changing our attitudes towards punishment and discipline, exploring alternative approaches to discipline, and working to address the biases and systemic injustices that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline.

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