Black students in LA have highest absenteeism rates

Black students in LA have highest absenteeism rates 

A new report reveals that nearly 360,000 students in Los Angeles County are chronically absent from school, with Black students experiencing the highest rates of absenteeism, according to findings from Catalyst California and Brotherhood Crusade.

What You Need To Know

• A Catalyst California and Brotherhood Crusade report highlighted that 38% of Black students in LA County miss too much school


• Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10% of the school year, or about 18 days or more


• The recent wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades worsened these issues for over 3,500 low-income and BIPOC families, with more than 27,000 rental units placed under evacuation or warning orders

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10% of the school year, or about 18 days or more.

The crisis disproportionately affects students of color, many of whom face barriers such as food and housing insecurity.

“When I was struggling with chronic absenteeism, I felt like I was in my own little bubble,” said Keith Marrow-Kennedy, an 18-year-old who overcame chronic absenteeism. “I couldn’t reach out for help and that made me avoid school.”

Personal challenges compounded his struggles, including the death of his mother and being adopted by his aunt.

“Coming back from the pandemic, it was like a year-and-a-half gap of just no instruction,” he explained. “It was a really tough time for me. It was hard to experience those emotions and still be that straight-A student I once was.”

Marrow-Kennedy found support through Brotherhood Crusade, a South LA nonprofit that helps students stay in school and later find employment. 

Despite his hardships, Marrow-Kennedy eventually graduated, a moment he describes as a tremendous accomplishment.

A recent report from Catalyst California and Brotherhood Crusade highlighted that 38% of Black students in LA County — like Marrow-Kennedy — miss too much school, the highest percentage among all racial groups.

Youth advocate Garrick Galbraith of Brotherhood Crusade pointed to the pandemic’s impact, noting, “During COVID, chronic absenteeism became a crisis. Kids were balancing work, getting sick, and taking care of family. Unfortunately, Black and Latino students were usually left behind.”

Many of these communities continue to struggle with economic insecurity and housing instability. 

The recent wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades worsened these issues for over 3,500 low-income and BIPOC families, with over 27,000 rental units placed under evacuation or warning orders. Click here to read full article