The implementation of zero-tolerance policies in the educational system has laid the foundations for the criminalization of minority youth and the school-to-prison pipeline (Mora & Christianakis, 2013). In 2015, the passage of Every Student Succeeds Act sought to decrease the schools-to-prison pipeline and minimize discipline and achievement gaps involving minorities. Unfortunately, educational research and government policy focused on minority males and largely ignored minority females. The literature review examines the history behind the exclusionary discipline practices, school-to-prison pipeline, racial and gender disparity, and research into those forces applied to female students. Gaps revealed in the research expose a need for further investigation into female students, school discipline and impact of punishment on educational outcomes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]