PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

Join MESD's HerPath Program for a screening of PUSHOUT and a student panel exploring educational equity and youth experiences. PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools Documentary Screening & HerPath Student Panel About This Event What happens when the systems meant to support young people become barriers to their success? And how can we work together to change that? Join Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Bridges' HerPath Program for a special community screening of PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, followed by a student panel featuring young people who have participated in HerPath programming. What is HerPath? HerPath is an MESD Bridges program that creates supportive, empowering spaces for girls and young women through facilitated girls' groups focused on connection, identity, self-worth, leadership, and personal growth. Through meaningful relationships and opportunities for self-expression, HerPath helps young people strengthen their voices, build confidence, and navigate the challenges they face. Through powerful personal stories and expert perspectives, PUSHOUT examines how Black girls experience disproportionate discipline, exclusion, and criminalization within educational systems. The film challenges us to examine the biases, policies, and practices that shape young people's experiences and consider what it takes to create environments where all students can thrive. But the conversation doesn't end when the credits roll. Following the screening, we'll hear directly from HerPath students as they share their experiences, perspectives, and insights about navigating educational and community systems, finding support, and what they wish adults and decision-makers better understood. Event Schedule & What to Expect Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with refreshments and an opportunity to connect before the program begins. We'll kick off with a brief introduction to HerPath at 6:15 p.m., followed by the screening of PUSHOUT promptly at 6:25 p.m. (runtime: 80 minutes). Following the film, young people from MESD's HerPath Program will share their personal experiences, perspectives, and insights during a student panel discussion. Content Note: This documentary explores racism, discriminatory school discipline, exclusion, and the criminalization of young people. Some content may be emotionally challenging.