As schools across the nation see an increased police presence, Rhode Island activists have turned their attention toward ending the school-to-prison pipeline — a pattern of policies and practices that escalate discipline within schools and push students into the criminal justice system. School to Prison Pipeline, a film by Rhode Island PBS producer / director Tracy MacDonald, airs Friday, July 15 at 8 p.m. on WSBE Rhode Island PBS.
First airing on Rhode Island PBS Weekly on January 30, 2022, as an 'op-doc' (opinion documentary), School to Prison Pipeline navigates the complex causes that contribute to mass incarceration.
With a thorough examination of the socioeconomic factors and intergenerational trauma that lead to incarceration’s vicious cycle, the film highlights how Black students disproportionately face the negative consequences of policing in their schools and communities.
Featuring interviews with a wide range of subjects, the documentary shares insights from policymakers, educators, school psychologists, legal experts, students, and formerly incarcerated people.
Although focusing on Providence and Central Falls communities, School to Prison Pipeline takes care to look at the bigger picture, expanding its scope to perspectives from across the Ocean State.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Rhode Island PBS is now available to subscribers of YouTubeTV. The full schedule is available to live stream for free within the broadcast viewing area at watch.ripbs.org/livestream. An expansive catalog of PBS series, documentaries, and specials is available to Rhode Island PBS members through Rhode Island PBS Passport.
