Local attorneys from Lawyers for Civil Rights wrote BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper to say the presence of police and safety measures in colleges has gone too far.
“Lawyers for Civil Rights writes to express our strong opposition to the growing presence of police in Boston Public Schools and the use of intrusive security equipment such as metal detectors,” the letter written by LCR lawyer Tasheena Davis reads. “We are concerned that over-reliance on law enforcement will exacerbate the criminalization of students of color and detract from educational experiences.”
The attorneys stated they have been alerted to the difficulty by group considerations introduced by the native nonprofit Sociedad Latina. The letter requests a gathering with BPS leaders to debate the difficulty.
The letter follows pushback from group members and 4 metropolis councilors calling for extra police presence and metallic detectors in response the beating of a trainer strolling a woman house from the Young Achievers School and different violent incidents earlier within the yr.
Under BPS coverage, colleges might acquire metallic detectors by issuing requests and receiving district approval. Police officers have been phased out of BPS colleges in 2021 and changed with security specialists who can’t arrest youngsters.
Police Commissioner Michael Cox additionally famous the division would “welcome” being part of BPS in January.
The LCR letter cited analysis displaying “the presence of officers in schools does not increase school safety outcomes, and negatively impacts the educational environment and mental health of students of color.”
“LCR urges BPS to utilize positive behavioral interventions and supports, including increasing access to mental health services, trauma-informed care, tutoring and afterschool activities as alternatives before introducing more police and metal detectors,” the letter continued.
In response to the letter, a BPS spokesperson stated the district “will continue to take this holistic approach to support the whole child and address the root causes of violence, while we also work closely with our partners in the Boston Police Department to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations and keep our students and communities safe.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com”
