Has the criminalization of student behavior contributed to the problem of mass incarceration?

Yes, it is.

Explanation:

Mass incarceration refers to the practice of using various rehabilitation process as a form of punishment for the citizen's misbehavior. In united states, mass incarceration actually could became a lucrative business for the government.

For example, as a form of punishment, students who conduct misdemeanor often required to do community services. (For example, they might be ordered to spent several weeks to clean public infrastructures. )

the government also could put incarcerated people into contract with private companies that can make them do labor. This provide incentives for the government to put more people into incarceration and contributed to the problem of mass incarceration.