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School arrest data in Connecticut reveals stark disparities that mirror national trends
While students of color make up a fraction of the overall enrollment, they are disproportionately represented in arrests and referrals to law enforcement. Reports show that Black and Hispanic students in Connecticut are arrested at rates multiple times higher than their white peers, underscoring the deep inequities in school discipline and policing practices.
58%
Of school-based arrests nationwide involve Black and Latinx students, though they are only 40% of enrollment.*
2x
A student’s first arrest doubles their chance of dropping out of high school.*
63%
Of school arrests in West Hartford involved Black and Latinx students, though they were just 24% of enrollment.*
9,194
Suspensions in Hartford in one year equal to 412 suspensions for every 1,000 students.*
4%
Drop in college enrollment is linked to federal funding for school police programs.*
Our Campaigns
Black and Latino Studies in Public School Curriculum
Connecticut Public Act 19-12, passed in 2019, mandates the inclusion of African American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino studies in the public school curriculum. Beginning in the 2021–2022 school year, all local and regional boards of education are required to incorporate these subjects into their programs of study. The act also directed the State Education Resource Center (SERC) to develop a one-credit high school course focused on Black and Latino studies, which must be offered by all districts starting in the 2022–2023 school year. This initiative aims to provide students with a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of U.S. history and culture, highlighting the contributions and experiences of historically underrepresented communities.
An Act Concerning Transparency in Education
Connecticut Public Act 23-167 promotes transparency and equity in education by requiring school districts to publish financial data, expanding support for underserved communities, and enhancing educator diversity. It also strengthens school climate standards, mental health resources, and access to innovative learning opportunities like dual enrollment and apprenticeships.
How You Can Help
Be part of the change! Show up to an event, learn new skills, and help us build student power by starting a BBSU chapter in your school or city.
Our Mission
BBSU is a youth-centered organization that organizes to build the power of Black and Brown young people in CT to protect students’ rights by ending school discipline policies and practices that rely on policing, violence, and surveillance.
Building Power
We strengthen the collective voice of marginalized communities to drive long-term social and political influence.
Leadership Development
We equip youth and members with the skills, confidence, and mentorship to lead with impact.
Policy Changer
We challenge and shape policies to dismantle inequities and make schools more just and safe.
Organizing
We unite students and communities to take action, build connections, and create real change together.
Youth Driven
We strengthen the collective voice of marginalized communities to drive long-term social and political influence.
Our Values
Join Our Donor Circle
The CT Black and Brown Student Union Donor Circle is a community of committed supporters who stand with youth-led, grassroots organizing for justice. Members of the Donor Circle invest in long-term movement building that challenges systemic harm, including school policing, mental health neglect, and educational inequity. Contributions directly sustain radical programming, coalition work, and leadership development that centers the voices and power of Black and Brown youth across Connecticut. This is not charity, it is solidarity.