Chapter 2: Advocate or Accomplice?: School Counseling and Disproportionate Conduct Referrals of Young Black Boys

Black children have a dubious relationship with school counselors. Charged with the responsibility to assist and advocate for the well-being of all students, some school counselors align with schooling practices that may actually harm Black children. While the benefits associated with effective school counseling for Black children has been documented, persistent concerns about ineffective school counseling of Black children exists (Graham & Coomer, 2018). Of significant concern is the practice of referring Black children to their school counselor for behaviors normalized in White children. Initially, such harmful practices may contribute to a school culture that lends itself to the disproportionate punishment of Black children. Ultimately, school counselor negligence and unresolved bias may contribute to the pushout of Black children from their school settings.