Date of Award

Spring 6-11-2023

Document Type

Thesis (Undergraduate)

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Dr. Patricia Lopez

Second Advisor

Dr. Erin Collins

Third Advisor

Dr. Mona Domosh

Abstract

The school-to-prison pipeline disproportionately impacts Black and Brown low-income students. The pipeline, a well-researched phenomenon, explores the criminalization of non-white students from low-income backgrounds through surveillance and outsized disciplinary actions at their schools. Current research reveals that this disciplinary system has: not improved campus safety, cost taxpayers $35 billion annually, disrupted students' academic performance, and increased students’ lifelong experience with violence (Selvaggi, 2016). However, existing research fails to consider alternative and new systems prioritizing students' well-being and future success. My research bridges this gap by focusing on South Bay schools and communities in Los Angeles –a site currently lacking scholarship. My project focuses on improving safety in the South Bay school environments -without relying on surveillance. In doing so, I ask: where do students feel safe, and how can geographical research methods help dismantle the pipeline?

Available for download on Friday, June 06, 2025

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