In the wake of nationwide protests against police brutality following George Floyd’s tragic death, cities across the United States have begun to re-evaluate their relationships with law enforcement, particularly within educational settings. In a significant move, the Minneapolis School Board unanimously voted to sever ties with the Minneapolis Police Department, a decision closely followed by Portland Public Schools, which also chose to eliminate the presence of police officers in its schools.
These announcements have sparked both enthusiasm among activists advocating for the removal of police from schools and concern among those who equate police presence with safety. However, research does not support the notion that having law enforcement in schools enhances safety. In fact, it suggests the opposite. Marc Schindler, the executive director of the Justice Policy Institute, pointed out in a 2018 NPR interview that the expansion of law enforcement in schools has not resulted in the desired outcomes regarding student safety.
The History of School Resource Officers
The trend of placing police officers in schools began in the 1990s, particularly after the Columbine tragedy in 1999. Presently, approximately 20,000 school resource officers (SROs) are stationed in schools across the nation, ostensibly to prevent mass shootings. However, a report from the Congressional Research Service in 2013 concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support that SROs deter such incidents. Notably, an officer was present during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where seventeen lives were lost.
The Ineffectiveness of Law Enforcement in Schools
The unfortunate reality is that the presence of law enforcement has not proven effective in preventing school shootings. In fact, incidents involving SROs often yield negative consequences for students. One alarming case involved a six-year-old girl in Florida who was arrested for throwing a temper tantrum. This highlights a systemic issue where young children, who often require emotional support, are instead criminalized.
Data indicates that schools with police officers tend to experience higher rates of suspensions, expulsions, and arrests, disproportionately affecting students of color. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Education, Black students are more than twice as likely to be referred to police or arrested compared to their white peers. Moreover, suspensions can significantly hinder a child’s academic progress, with each suspension correlating to a nine-point decrease in achievement growth, making it challenging for them to catch up academically.
The Benefits of Mental Health Resources
Conversely, schools that prioritize mental health resources demonstrate improved attendance, academic success, and graduation rates. The American Council on Education has reported that these services can help identify at-risk students and prevent crises before they escalate—something law enforcement is typically not trained to do. Alarmingly, a significant number of students lack access to essential support services; the ACLU found that 1.7 million students are in schools with police but no counselors, while 3 million are in schools lacking nurses.
The decision by Minneapolis to remove school resource officers reallocated $1 million in funding towards essential mental health services, while Portland’s similar initiative will direct funds to community-driven programs. These choices reflect a commitment to student welfare based on evidence that supports investing in mental health resources rather than relying on law enforcement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the removal of school resource officers in Minneapolis and Portland highlights a critical shift in prioritizing real safety over the illusion of security. By channeling resources into mental health support, schools can create environments that foster growth and well-being rather than penalization. More educational institutions should consider this approach, as proactive measures are far more effective than reactive ones.
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Summary
The removal of school resource officers in Minneapolis and Portland serves as an important step towards fostering genuine safety in educational environments. Evidence suggests that mental health resources yield better outcomes for students compared to police presence, which often leads to negative disciplinary actions, especially for students of color. As more schools consider following this trend, it becomes clear that investing in support systems will better serve the needs of students.