School Discipline Study

Dr. Danfeng Soto-Vigil Koon, assistant professor of Leadership Studies, received a multi-year research grant from The California Endowment to conduct a statewide qualitative study of school discipline. This collaborative grant aims to increase understanding of how educator and activist efforts to challenge punitive school discipline practices in California schools has impacted school climate, culture, and learning.

Recent alumni Kim-Shree Maufas and Jadelin Felipe, as well as current student Danielle Huddleston, are visiting schools and interviewing principals, teachers, counselors, students, parents, and activists in districts and communities in various parts of the state.

“What I love most about this project is that it brings together a wide range of people - all committed to a humanizing education - to take stock of the last decade of reforms around school discipline and the school-to-prison nexus. We are learning from school leaders, educators, activists, and students about what has changed in schools and what has not. Most importantly, we’re learning about the strategies that have supported the most significant changes and the challenges that persist.”
Danfeng Soto-Vigil Koon PhD, JD
Assistant Professor, Leadership Studies

“Having committed myself (years ago) to dismantling punitive discipline practices that are oppressive and institutionalized in our education system, it is this research project and spectrum of people involved that fortify my courage, stamina, and faith that with engaged research, change will come.”
Kim-Shree Maufas, EdD
International & Multicultural Education 2018

“Working collaboratively with educational researchers across California on a project that confronts punitive school discipline practices, while centering the importance of equity in schools, is an inspiring and challenging experience. This work provides hope for positive change to our education system.”
Danielle Huddleston, MA
Organization and Leadership 2018