Measures demographic, individual, and family factors in disparities in office referral and suspension/expulsion.

African Americans, students whose parents had less education, and boys were more likely to be suspended/expelled.

More preparation for class, more homework hours, and less prior year delinquency were associated with less office referral.

More homework hours & academic aspirations and less delinquency & marijuana use were associated with less suspension/expulsion.

Students with parents with less education were suspended/expelled more when they indicated 1 of 4 factors.

Interventions that promote student engagement in school may be protective against disproportionate school discipline.