Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how exclusionary K-12 disciplinary practices contribute to long-term academic, psychological, and relational outcomes for Black students in higher education.
2. Analyze the School-to-Prison Pipeline as a racialized continuum that extends into postsecondary institutional structures and student experiences.
3. Apply Critical Race Theory and trauma-responsive frameworks to evaluate higher education policies and practices that may reproduce disciplinary inequities.

 

Presenter Bio:

Denitra Washington Arrington is a Doctoral Candidate in Social Work at the University of Kentucky. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and her Master of Social Work from Florida State University. She currently serves as a School Social Work Specialist and Coordinator with Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, FL, where she provides district-level leadership in student mental health supports, crisis response, and school-based social work practice. With extensive experience at the intersection of education, behavioral health, and systems leadership, Denitra’s professional work centers on advancing equitable, trauma-informed practices within K-12 school systems. Her responsibilities include supporting school social workers, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to districtwide initiatives focused on student safety, engagement, and well-being.

Her research interests focus on the school-to-prison pipeline and its long-term effects on Black students at the collegiate level. As part of her doctoral Capstone Project, Denitra examines how cumulative disciplinary experiences in K-12 education shape academic success, mental health outcomes, and institutional engagement for Black students in higher education. Her scholarship is grounded in social justice, critical analysis of institutional practices, and the application of restorative and trauma-responsive frameworks to educational systems. Denitra’s work reflects a commitment to bridging research and practice to inform policy, strengthen institutional accountability, and promote more equitable educational outcomes.

 

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Session not eligible for CE credit.

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.