My Wings Are Not Broken: Black Males, Carcerality, and Education

Author

Crystal M. Welch-Scott, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Urban Education

Advisor

Juan Battle

Committee Members

Wendy Luttrell

Limarys Caraballo

Subject Categories

Law and Gender | Law and Race | Legal Education | Social Justice | Urban Studies and Planning

Keywords

Zero tolerance policy, educational outcomes, Education& Gender

Abstract

Historically, educational spaces have been sites of racialized inequality for Black youth, creating disparate educational outcomes. The disproportionate divide between young Black and White men continues throughout the life of their academic journey, and this research seeks to examine its impact on dropping out of school. The experience of Black young men being “othered” – compared to their White counterparts – coupled with the myriad ways Black youth must navigate normalcy creates additional challenges they must carry. This dissertation employs critical race theory and ecological systems theory as theoretical frameworks. It utilizes hierarchical regression modeling of the High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS) dataset to examine the relative impact of carcerality, educational experiences, and key demographics on the likelihood of young Black men dropping out of school. Based on the findings, recommendations are explained at the individual, family, and institutional levels.

Recommended Citation

Welch-Scott, Crystal M., "My Wings Are Not Broken: Black Males, Carcerality, and Education" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6077