Milwaukee community rallies against police in schools
October 23, 2024 | Milwaukee School District, School Districts, Wisconsin
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Amber West, a representative from Leaders Igniting Transformation, emphasized the community's desire for increased counselors and social workers rather than police presence in schools. She pointed out that the mandate for SROs comes from individuals disconnected from the community, arguing that the funds required for policing could be better spent on educational needs. West referenced a Chicago study indicating that schools with SROs saw a significant increase in police involvement for minor infractions, suggesting that such measures contribute to a negative school environment.
Several speakers, including alumni and current students, echoed West's sentiments, urging the board to reject any budget amendments that would divert $2 million from classroom resources to fund armed officers. They argued that investing in social-emotional learning and trauma-informed training for staff would create a more supportive school culture, ultimately reducing disciplinary issues and fostering a safer environment for students.
Janiqua Woodson, another community member, highlighted the detrimental effects of criminalizing students, stating that funding SROs would reinforce the school-to-prison pipeline. She called for a focus on programs that enhance student success rather than punitive measures.
The meeting underscored a collective call for the school board to prioritize the needs of students and the community over external pressures to implement policing measures. Advocates stressed the importance of listening to students and investing in their futures, rather than succumbing to political agendas that could jeopardize their safety and educational experience.
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