Under Watchful Eyes?: Examining the Disproportionate and Disparate Impact of Mandatory Reporting Laws for Teachers on Black Students

Abstract

Teachers are not only empowered to report but face penalties for failing to report suspected child abuse and neglect. This builds a surveillance environment and may contribute to the overreporting of Black students and their disporportionate number in the foster care system. The author studies Pennsylvania statutes and recommends amendments mandating implicit bias training for teachers and allowing teachers to discuss potential reports with school counselors or administrators before submission.