ASU Indian Legal Program Features School-To-Prison Pipeline Symposium and Town Hall Meeting

PHOENIX, March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Presented by the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law and the Center for Indian Education at Arizona State University, the "School-To-Prison Pipeline in Indian Country Symposium and Town Hall Meeting" will be held on March 27, 2015, at the Great Hall in the Armstrong Building on the Tempe Campus.

Considered to be one of the most serious civil rights issues today, the "school-to-prison pipeline" is a systematic method of siphoning children from the public school system to the juvenile and criminal justice systems.  

"The school-to-prison pipeline is a vital concern for us all," said Dr. Bryan Brayboy, special advisor to ASU's President Michael Crow, president's professor, and director of the Center for Indian Education. "Removing our children from school and placing them into the criminal system limits their futures and the future of our communities. It is vital that we open up a dialogue on this issue, examine it, and work toward ending this destructive process. We owe it to our communities and our children." 

The event is part of an ongoing nationwide series and will include a symposium, town hall, and reflections panel. The symposium will explore pipeline issues, programs, and projects created to further address these topics. The town hall will include presentations by professionals who work in this field witnessing the issues first hand and working to develop solutions. It will also allow for discussion by the community. The reflections panel will discuss how civil rights has shaped the educational landscape in Indian Country, where it is now and what work still needs to be done. 

"The Indian Legal Program is committed to addressing important issues impacting our communities," said Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, faculty director of the Indian Legal Program. "These scholars and practitioners represent the very best of individuals involved in this issue. Their presence and engagement allows us to move from talking about this topic, to addressing both the day-to-day practices and policy solutions that will ameliorate this challenge."

About the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is one of the leading public law schools in the country. The college is currently ranked No. 26 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. It is home to several leading centers and programs, including the Center for Law, Science & Innovation, the Center for Law and Global Affairs, and the Indian Legal Program. With a writing program that is ranked No. 8 nationally by U.S. News, a wide range of clinical opportunities, a breadth of externship offerings, and a pro bono program that annually contributes more than 100,000 hours of legal and law-related services to the community, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law is pursuing a path of impact, excellence, engagement and opportunity. For more information, visit law.asu.edu.

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SOURCE Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University