Salem-Keizer school leaders say they’re focused on equity. Expulsion and suspension rates tell another story.

Sandra Hernández-Lomelí, director of Latinos Unidos Siempre, speaks during a protest outside of the Salem-Keizer school district offices on Thursday, June 18 to urge the district to cancel their contract for police officers in schools. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)

Black, Latino and other students of color are more likely to be suspended and expelled from local schools than their white peers – and the racial gaps in school discipline have persisted for years despite a superintendent…