The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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same schools in Sioux City. There are also number of the staff who work in the off f ice
who are related to one another (e.g., brothers, cousins, etc.).
A majority of the decision makers did not believe that the disproportionate
overrepresentation of minority youth in secure facilities was their concern. A number of
the decision makers believed they provided fair treatment of white youth and minority
youth. Thus, most of these individuals argued that the hiring of minority staff would
result in little if no change in their relations with youth. One person contended that “a
minority will never work here,” Some indicated that even if they wanted to hire minority
staff, no qualified minorities have applied for positions within the office or in other
authority positions, in general.
Rather than hire minority staff, some suggested that there was a greater need on
the part of the minorities to adapt to our culture and they themselves establish programs
of their own. Others argued for programs that should emphasis family support and moral
development. Still, some suggested that there are already enough programs out there to
deal with the needs of the minorities. The following quotes highlight these views.
There aren’t that many openings and I don’t think we get many minority
applicants. Yeah, I think that it might be helpful to have someone here like
that.
Q. Do you think it would make any difference
A. No. I honestly don’t. There are a lot of people of color who are
supervisors in the treatment centers that these kids look up to a lot.