CPS vs CPD
Police have been in school for some time now. Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago has voiced his commitment to addressing the controversial matter of officer presences in public schools. He recently agreed with the viewpoint that officers are not necessary in schools and confirmed that the Chicago Board of Education holds the power to end the $10.3 million agreement with the Chicago Police Department.
There was thought to be an initial justification for deploying officers in schools in Chicago. Nonetheless, there is a perspective that suggests the presence of police in educational settings is counterproductive, contending that the focus of schools should be exclusively on education.
The presence of police officers patrolling schools may evoke feelings of criminalization and threat among students. This causes uncomfortable parallels between educational institutions and correctional facilities. Conversely, there are arguments in favor of this practice, suggesting that officers in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) can preemptively address physical and verbal conflicts. Potentially averting serious incidents such as school shootings. Since the tragic event at Columbine in 1999, there have been 394 school shootings, exposing over 360,000 students to gun violence. This statistic leads some to view the presence of police in schools as a protective measure rather than a detriment.
Despite ongoing disagreements, some Chicago Public Schools (CPS) continue to permit police presence on their premises, while 43 percent have chosen not to allow police patrols within their schools. Initially, each CPS school was assigned two police officers for on-site security. However, in 2019, a significant policy change occurred when CPS granted Local School Councils (LSCs) the authority to vote on this matter. Empowering them to make the decision about whether to retain police officers on school grounds.
More Opinions
The district has revised its school safety policy to endorse a “holistic” approach to student discipline, emphasizing restorative justice practices as stated in the resolution. These practices focus on conflict resolution over punitive measures and have been replacing sworn officers in many schools of late. The newly approved resolution will impact the 39 high schools currently utilizing 57 School Resource Officers (SROs) in total.
Elizabeth Todd-Breland, the Board Vice President, stood by the board’s decision, affirming that it upholds a promise set forth by the prior board in 2020 to gradually eliminate SRO from schools. She articulated that the board’s goal is to reduce the inequities in school discipline practices. The resolution points out that the police calls and suspension rates disproportionately impact black students.
Advocates for the removal of School Resource Officers (SROs) from educational institutions. It is contended that their presence contributes to a prison-like atmosphere within schools.
They point to a resolution that underscores the unequal application of disciplinary actions. Noting the disproportionately higher rates of suspensions and police interventions involving black students and students with disabilities relative to other student groups.
The decision’s timing has attracted aldermen’s scrutiny, especially since its ratification is planned for the summer. Right before the new Board members assume office.
On Thursday, the Chicago Board of Education reached a unanimous decision to discontinue the $10.3 million school resource officer program within CPS. Mandating the removal of uniformed officers prior to the commencement of the 2024-25 academic year.
The Debate
Michelle Clark Magnet School, located in the Austin neighborhood, is among the local school councils that have elected to retain their School Resource Officer (SRO). This decision is supported by those who believe it fosters the mending of relations between the Black and Brown communities.
Ald. Scott is concerned about the implications of reduced police presence in her West Side schools, which she believes are already lacking necessary support. “If we were receiving adequate wrap-around services, we wouldn’t see 14- and 17-year-olds committing murders outside of a school. These services ought to be provided within the schools already,” she stated.
The Teachers Union expressed support for the vote. Stating, “The removal of SROs from schools has been a goal that Black and brown youth organizers have tirelessly worked towards for years through the ‘CopsOutCPS’ campaign.”
Schools that relinquished one or both of their officers were allocated funds to implement alternative strategies. Including restorative justice coordinators and mental health supports. All of which amounts to approximately $3.2 million across the district, stated Jadine Chou. Who is the security chief of Chicago Public Schools.
By Layla Ndiaye
Sources:
ABC 7 News- Chicago Board of Education votes to remove school resource police officers from CPS schools
5 Chicago- Chicago Public Schools’ effort to remove school resource officers drew pushback from aldermen in private briefings
Chicago Fun Times- Chicago Board of Education votes to remove police from schools
Featured Image Courtesy of Inventorchris – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Hajee – Creative Commons License
