Right To Know Initiative

Our Right to Know program is dedicated to empowering youth and their families with a comprehensive understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities. We believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of the law. By providing clear, accessible information about laws that impact young people, we help them understand their rights in various situations, from school settings to interactions with law enforcement. This foundational knowledge enables participants to advocate for themselves and others, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility within their communities.
Through mentorship, education, and community engagement, the Right to Know program equips participants with the tools they need to confidently navigate the judicial system. Mentors provide personalized guidance, helping youth and their families better understand legal processes and potential outcomes. Interactive educational sessions demystify legal jargon and break down complicated legal concepts into practical, actionable knowledge. Additionally, our community engagement initiatives offer opportunities for participants to see how the law impacts real-life situations, enabling them to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to resolve conflicts peacefully and effectively.
By involving families in the learning process, the Right to Know program strengthens support networks and builds a shared foundation of legal awareness. This holistic approach ensures that both youth and their families are equipped to handle legal challenges together, creating a united front in advocating for fairness and justice. As a result, the program fosters a community-wide understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, promoting equity and justice for all, while ensuring that every family has the tools and resources to thrive within the legal system.
Key Problems
In Texas, the issue of school discipline and juvenile justice involvement mirrors national trends, with certain student populations disproportionately affected by suspensions and referrals to the juvenile justice system.
Racial Disparities
Students of color, particularly Black and Hispanic students, face suspensions and expulsions at higher rates than their peers. These suspensions increase the likelihood of juvenile justice involvement, contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline.
In Texas, Black students make up approximately 13% of the student population but account for 28% of out-of-school suspensions. Similarly, Hispanic students represent 53% of the student population but account for 61% of suspensions.

Special Education Disparities
Students with disabilities are often disciplined more harshly, receiving suspensions at significantly higher rates than other students.
In Texas, students with disabilities represent 9.6% of public school enrollment but account for 23% of in-school suspensions and 20% of out-of-school suspensions.

Impact on Future Success
Suspensions, expulsions, and juvenile justice referrals reduce academic achievement, lower graduation rates, and increase dropout rates.
In Texas, students who receive an out-of-school suspension are three times more likely to drop out than their peers. Moreover, a study revealed that 15% of students who were suspended ended up involved in the juvenile justice system within a year of their suspension.
