The Earl Carl Institute, the lead organization in the Safe and Supportive Schools Collaborative (SSSC) will host a Holiday Gift Giveaway for students at Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle School on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Holiday Gift Giveaway is the start of SSSC’s community-focused events and programs. In addition to bringing food, gifts, and holiday cheer to local families, the collaborative will also educate children and families on their rights pertaining to school discipline. We intend to equip families with information and resources so they can better advocate for their child in the event that they face disciplinary action in school.

One of our many goals is to eliminate the discriminatory and disparate use of exclusionary discipline against black and brown students and students with disabilities. Here in Houston, Black and Latin students and those with disabilities are more likely to be suspended, expelled, referred to alternative education programs and even arrested more than their white peers. Providing students and families with resources and information is one way to begin to eliminate this problem.

Founded in 2018, the Safe and Supportive Schools Collaborative shares a share a vision of a Houston-area public school system that fosters positive school climates so all students may learn, graduate, and live up to their full potential without having their school behaviors criminalized. To learn more visit: counselorsnotcops.org