The Innocence Initiative is designed to educate and build awareness about adultification bias. Adultification bias is a form of racial prejudice where Black and Brown children are treated by adults as being more mature than they actually are. Black girls are disproportionately affected by adultification bias. We elevate the data, amplify the real-life stories of Black girls, and address disparities that perpetuate adultification through advocacy and training.
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ADULTIFICATION BIAS
IN THE CLASS ROOM
Black girls are 6 times more likely to receive out of school suspensions than their White counterparts. As early as age 5, Black girls are viewed by adults as more knowledgeable about sex and adult topics, less in need of nurture and support, and significantly older than white girls of the same age. Source: Center for American Progress, 2013.
IN THE STATE
Measure is committed to promoting equitable policies that improve outcomes for Black girls. Whether it’s through investments in education, healthcare, or juvenile justice reform, we believe that targeted policies have the potential to create a more just and equitable society for Black girls to thrive.
SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE
15X
Black female students are 15 times more likely than white female students to be subjected to a school-related arrest
10X
Black girls are 10 times more likely than their white counterparts to be expelled under zero-tolerance policies
5YO
As early as age 5, Black girls are viewed by adults as more knowledgeable about sex and adult topics, less in need of nurture and support and significantly older than white girls of the same age
Source: Edward W. Morris & Brea L. Perry, Girl Behaving Badly? Race, Gender & Subjective Evaluation in the Discipline of Af. Am. Girls.
#OURGIRLSNEEDUS
The Innocence Initiative is a collaboration that will elevate the data, listen to the real-life stories of Black girls, and address disparities that perpetuate adultification through advocacy, training, and a public awareness campaign.
