National patterns of vulnerable decision points in school discipline.

In this study, we identified the specific discipline decision situations (i.e., vulnerable decision points [VDPs]) that contribute most to racial discipline disparities from a sample of 2020 schools across the United States.

The eye of the beholder: Increased likelihood of prison sentences for people perceived to have Hispanic ethnicity.

Objectives: Hispanic individuals are a growing proportion of the general and carceral populations in the United States. This study examined the relationship between the type of sentences (prison, jail/probation) given to White, non-Hispanic individuals and to similarly situated individuals who were perceived to be Hispanic (any race) or perceived to be White but, based on validated estimates, self-identified as Hispanic.

Hypotheses: Psychological theory indicates that, for group-based stereotypes and attitudes to impact decisions, decisionmakers must first identify and categorize target individuals as members of the relevant group.

Equity-focused PBIS approach reduces racial inequities in school discipline: A randomized controlled trial.

We assessed the effects of a whole-school equity intervention implemented within a school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) framework on racial inequities in school discipline in eight elementary schools with inequitable referrals for Black students. The intervention involved assessing patterns of racial disparities in school discipline decisions and providing professional development on adapting school-wide behavior systems to improve cultural responsiveness through concrete strategies targeting the patterns. After consent and matching on existing levels of racial inequities, half of the schools were randomly assigned to receive the intervention.

The relative contribution of subjective office referrals to racial disproportionality in school discipline.

To improve our understanding of where to target interventions, the study examined the extent to which school discipline disproportionality between African American and White students was attributable to racial disparities in teachers' discretionary versus nondiscretionary decisions. The sample consisted of office discipline referral (ODR) records for 1,154,686 students enrolled in 1,824 U.S.

Development of a laboratory test for knicker tearing re-creation studies.

False sexual assault and rape claims result in wasted forensic and police resources and stigma for the alleged offender. In this work a laboratory method was developed to (i) recreate the ripping of knickers and (ii) measure the force required to rip the garments. The effect of laundering was considered as a means to mimic age of garment, and the effect of speed of ripping was used as a measure of forcible removal of garments.