Jefferson City, January 5 (RHC)-- In the U.S. state of Missouri, a law took effect with the new year that allows felony charges to be brought against children who get into fistfights on school buses or on school property.  Under the statute, students caught fighting could face third-degree assault charges and up to four years in prison, regardless of their age or grade level.  

Critics say Missouri's new law will worsen the state's school-to-prison pipeline and will disproportionately affect African Americans.  Last year, a study by UCLA's Center for Civil Rights Remedies found Black elementary school children in Missouri are suspended at higher rates than in any other state.