Title
To honor Dr. Monique Morris, Ed.D - and applaud her efforts to highlight and reduce the Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Monique Morris, Ed.D is an award-winning author and social justice scholar with nearly three decades of experience in the areas of education, civil rights, juvenile and social justice; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Morris is the author of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools - a discussion about the experiences of Black girls across the country whose intricate lives are misunderstood, highly judged by teachers, administrators, and the justice system and degraded by the very institutions charged with helping them flourish - This book shows how, Black girls, despite the obstacles, stigmas, stereotypes, and despair are still able to find ways to breathe and overcome with dignity - whether it is in a classroom, a juvenile facility, or any environment; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Morris has written dozens of articles, co-authored portions of books and been featured in publications on social justice issues - she has also lectured and provided research regarding policies and practices associated with improving juvenile justice, refining education, and enhancing the socioeconomic conditions of Black girls, women, and their families; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Morris’ work has been profiled by MSNBC, CSPAN2, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, PBS, and other state, local, and national print, radio, and television media - Her research intersects almost every aspect of race, gender, education and justice - exploring ways in which Black communities and communities of color are uniquely affected by social policies; and
WHEREAS, Monique received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and African Studies from Columbia University in 1994; her Master of Science Degree in Urban Planning from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation and her Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Change from Fielding Graduate University in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Morris understands the importance of education, hard work, leadership, service as well as bettering the social condition of others - moreover she is an inspiration to humanity, women and specifically women of color; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Morris will be featured at a leadership briefing on her book, PUSHOUT at the OSU Extension Center on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday May 18, 2017 - an event hosted by Ms. Frances Curtis Frazier of the Rise Sister Rise Program - which is committed to Placing Black Girls at Promise and Evaluating African American Girls' Experience of Trauma and Resiliency in Ohio's Communities; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor Dr. Monique Morris, Ed.D - and applaud her efforts to highlight and reduce the Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools.