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In the Aftermath of George Floyd’s Death
Policing in Schools Undergoes Scrutiny
The use of police and other law enforcement in schools, including districts that operate their own police departments, has come under enhanced scrutiny following the death of Houston ISD Yates High School graduate George Floyd after being handcuffed and restrained by Minneapolis police.
A coalition of social justice groups, including attorneys, educators and youth involved in the juvenile justice system, sent letters (such as this one) to HISD and several other districts — such as Austin ISD and Dallas ISD — calling on them to “divest” from school policing and instead use that money toward more mental health counselors and social workers in schools.
HISD said in a statement that its leaders need time to “thoroughly examine this proposal” and that the district “will carefully consider the best options that serve our students, staff, parents and community,” Houston media reported.
Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa — whose board unanimously passed a resolution declaring that the lives of its Black students and its Black community members matter — told local media that he understands the concerns, but that getting rid of the school police department is not the answer.
“When we think about Sandy Hook, Santa Fe, and all those other things, parents will never forgive us if something safety wise happens to their kids,” the superintendent told a Dallas TV station, adding:
“We depend on our police department for safety and security and we expect our officers to build relationships with students.”