For years, Black parents and educators have raised concerns: too many Black students, particularly boys, are wrongly placed in special education as a form of discipline rather than for academic support.
“Behavior and disability are not the same thing,” says Georgia Flowers Lee, Vice President of United Teachers of Los Angeles and a retired special education teacher. “Yet, when a Black child has behavioral challenges, schools often rush to classify them instead of addressing the root causes.”
Now, as the Biden administration faces pressure to cut Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, Black children — both with and without learning disabilities — risk being misclassified, underserved, or pushed further into academic isolation.
Data Shows Persistent Overrepresentation
National data reveals that Black students are placed in special education at higher rates than their white peers. According to the latest Civil Rights Data Collection report, Black students make up 15% of the U.S. K-12 population but account for 17% of those in special education. In contrast, white students represent 46% of the student population but only 13% of special education placements.
The disparities are even starker for behavior-related disabilities. Black students are:
- 40% more likely to be placed in special education than their peers, even after accounting for other factors.
- Twice as likely as white students to be labeled with emotional disturbance, often tied to school discipline.
- 1.5 times more likely to be classified with an intellectual disability, a label that can limit their educational opportunities.
Once in special education, Black students often lose access to advanced coursework, AP classes, and college-prep programs. Rhianna Scyster, an educational equity expert and former special education teacher, warns that misclassification and low expectations harm these students.
“The idea that a student with an IEP or 504 Plan can’t excel in advanced courses is simply false,” she says.
Flowers Lee adds that low expectations can derail students’ futures. “Students in special education are less likely to graduate, attend college, or avoid school discipline. Misclassification sets Black children up for a lifetime of limited opportunities.”
Special Education Used as a Disciplinary Tool
Scyster notes that many misclassifications stem from bias, not actual disabilities.
“Educators who lack training in culturally responsive teaching often misinterpret Black students’ body language, tone, and learning styles,” she explains. “These students aren’t necessarily more disruptive, but they’re more likely to be perceived that way.”
With DEI programs under threat, policies aimed at reducing racial bias in special education referrals could vanish.
Losing DEI and Protections Will Worsen Outcomes
Efforts to dismantle DEI programs and reduce federal education funding could eliminate critical protections for students with disabilities.
At risk are:
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures free and appropriate public education for disabled students.
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, which tailor education to students’ needs.
- The Education Department’s Civil Rights offices, which investigate racial disparities in special education.
Flowers Lee warns that Black students in special education will suffer the most. “Federal funding has never fully covered special education costs. If we lose DEI programs too, Black students will bear the brunt.”
A Call to Action
With the future of special education in jeopardy, Flowers Lee and Scyster urge parents, teachers, and communities to fight back.
“If we don’t act, what happens to the kids who need these services? What happens to those who were misdiagnosed? What happens to the students who could thrive with the right support?” Flowers Lee asks.
Scyster encourages Black families to advocate for their children. “Ask questions, attend IEP meetings, and challenge the school if something feels off. Ensure your child understands their rights and is involved in the process.”
Without DEI programs, she warns, “we lose the tools to challenge these systemic injustices.”
