ATLANTA – House Minority Whip David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) today expressed concern regarding a Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) report that identified discriminatory discipline policies and practices within the Cobb County School District.
“I have been concerned for some time over the clearly discriminatory discipline practices within the Cobb County school system,” said Whip Wilkerson. “While I am pleased the Georgia Board of Education has reversed the decision by the Cobb County Board of Education to expel a Black Campbell High School student in violation of his due process rights, I am disturbed that it took the state board to intervene. I am also pleased that the Southern Poverty Law Center has stepped in to offer students legal recourse.”
The SPLC’s initial analysis found that Black students account for nearly 53 percent of disciplinary action within the district despite representing 33 percent of the student population. According to the SPLC, students with disabilities also account for approximately 28 percent of all discipline reports and make up between 12 and 13 percent of the student population.
“Statistics like these are unacceptable, and I want to lend my support to the students and parents who have been protesting these policies,” added Whip Wilkerson. “Every child has the right to education, and any policy that stands in the way of that right must be changed. Systemic racist policies have no place in our schools, and I pledge to work closely with SPLC and others to rectify these issues.”
Representative David Wilkerson represents the citizens of District 38, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as House Minority Whip. He also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice, Ethics, Rules, Retirement and Science and Technology committees.
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