Totally Unshocking Crime Headlines, Vol. 3

"Census: More Blacks, Latinos live in cells than in dorms"

Isn't this one of the more enduring criminological findings, referenced in every Intro to CJ class -- that young, Black men (and other men of color) are more likely to end up behind bars than enrolled in college?

The article makes some good observations; namely, that conservatives tend to attribute this finding to deficient family values in minority communities while liberals tend to blame insufficient government programs for communities of color, with "neither side seeing the whole picture." Also, as someone who teaches about the nexus of education, family, work, and crime, I was pleased to see the following discussion:

There are a lot of reasons why black students do not reach college at the same rate as whites, said Amy Stuart Wells, a professor of sociology and education at Columbia University's Teachers College. Black students are more likely to attend segregated schools with high concentrations of poverty, less qualified teachers, lower expectations and a less demanding curriculum, she said. "And they are perceived by society as terrible schools, so it is hard to get accepted into college," Wells said. "Even if you are a high-achieving kid who beats the odds, you are less likely to have access to the kinds of courses that colleges are looking for." [emphasis mine]

As is often the case when examining racial disparities of any variety in the criminal justice system, access to opportunities is crucial.