Uniformed police officers, for a host of reasons, should not be posted in public schools.
Thats been our view for a few years now, and well continue to argue the point for as long as there are cops in the halls of any Chicago public elementary or high school.
But wed like to recognize today the progress thats been made on this issue and the thoughtful manner in which the debate has played out, even as we urge those who agree with us that there are better alternatives to cops cracking down on 12-year-olds to keep on pushing.
If we know anything as an editorial board, it is that change works best from the ground up, with new ways of thinking preceding new laws and policies. This takes time. So, with that humbling thought in mind, we find it heartening that at least a small number of CPS schools in the last couple of years have voted to remove all full-time police officers and more heartening still dozens of other schools have developed plans for alternatives to blunt police discipline.
These schools are working to create safer student environments, physically and emotionally, whether that includes the presence of a full-time police officer or not. They are pushing the sensible stand, for example, that a students encounter with a police officer should rarely, if ever, lead to criminal charges and the lifelong burden of a criminal record.
That would seem to be the bare minimum for slowing our nations infamous, and very real, school-to-prison pipeline.
We are seeing the beginning of a healthy shift in thinking about school discipline, and advocates for removing uniformed officers from school buildings deserve much of the credit. They are being heard.
On Wednesday, as reported by Nader Issa of the Sun-Times, the Board of Education voted to renew an agreement with the Chicago Police Department to assign officers to schools those schools that want them at a cost of $11.1 million.
But it was a divided vote, 4 to 2, with the two dissenting board members saying they could not support any policy that allows for officers in any school. They stuck to that view even though the board also shifted $3.2 million of money previously spent on police officers to other more holistic approaches to school security, such as hiring more counselors and involving student peer groups in restorative justice programs.
Had we a vote on the board, we likely would have sided with the two dissenters, Elizabeth Todd-Breland and Luisiana Melendez. Their fundamental objection, that the presence of cops in schools every day seems to lead almost inevitably to a disproportionate policing of Black students, is true. And we, like Todd-Breland and Melendez, would have preferred a district-wide ban.
Too often, as weve written before, the kind of teenage misbehavior that might lead to counseling at a good suburban school is treated as a criminal matter in a city public school. This has been true particularly for Black students, who comprise only about 36% of all CPS students yet are the subject of 66% of all police notifications.
The impact is lasting. It can be devastating. A 2018 study, from the University of California at Los Angeles, found that putting police into Texas schools led to a decline in graduation and college enrollment rates.
Yet we remain optimistic. It is good news that 42 police officers, so far, have been removed from school buildings. We respect the work of those officers but believe they can be of greater service working the streets outside those schools.
And it is good news or so we hope that the school districts incoming CEO, Pedro Martinez, has expressed reservations about school police.
At a recent news conference, Martinez said cops should never be used to carry out school discipline, a very welcomed view. He also said CPS should consider creating its own highly specialized police force, one that knows how to work well with children, which we find to be a less appealing idea.
Well take more counselors, social workers and teachers, as well as an entirely new way of thinking about school discipline, every time.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.
See the article here:
- The Daily Progress: The Daily Progress, Charlottesville News [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- Progress Lighting - Home [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2016]
- WTC PROGRESS - One World Trade Center [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Postpartum Progress - postpartum depression and postpartum ... [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2016]
- Center for American Progress [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Contact Us - Progress Energy [Last Updated On: July 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2016]
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2016]
- Progress Announces ProgressNEXT 2017 Partner Conference - Business Wire (press release) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Think Progress Editor Mocks Audi for Equal Pay Super Bowl Ad - Breitbart News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Penguins injuries: Hagelin has concussion; Malkin still out, but making progress - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Patel: Syria progress at risk without new push in 2017 - ReliefWeb [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Market Recon: There's Progress on the Deregulation Front - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Assignment Helps Students Assess Their Progress - Faculty Focus (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Kiener Plaza reopening in May; Gateway Arch renovations continue progress - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Progress being made on possible grocery store co-op in Winston-Salem - myfox8.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Nioh Review-in-Progress: FromSoftware's Formula Evolved - Shacknews [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Deutsche Bundesbank Cites Progress With Blockchain-Based Settlement - CryptoCoinsNews [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Progress apparent on defense - Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- IMF: Greece's Debts are Still Unsustainable, Despite Progress - Voice of America [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Haupt's Take: It took eight years to destroy 50 years of progress - Watchdog.org [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Cavaliers' pitching rotation a work in progress - The Daily Progress [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Can US disrupter-in-chief trigger some progress? - Jerusalem Post Israel News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The Cost of Progress - Slate Magazine [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- DACC women making progress - Danville Commercial News [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- City police cite progress vs. drugs - Rutland Herald [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Women's Progress in the Boardroom Took a Hit in 2016 | Inc.com - Inc.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Britney Spears Says Niece Maddie Is 'Making Progress' After ATV Accident: 'Let's All Keep Praying' - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Progress on vet's Mustang to be unveiled - Indianapolis Star [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Through the looking glass: Tower view showcases progress on Amazon's unique biospheres - GeekWire [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Blight Elimination Progress, Uplifting - MyWabashValley [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Forecasters See Slow Progress in Labor-Market Measures Favored by Trump Administration - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- United coach Adrian Heath looks at steady progress after third straight draw - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Evgeni Malkin making 'progress,' could return Saturday in Arizona ... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Franks recognized as 2016 Partner in Progress - Chanute Tribune [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- 49ers players optimistic about progress under Shanahan, Lynch - The Mercury News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Colts position review: OL showed legit progress, but work remains - Indianapolis Star [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Jimmy Cheek: UT chancellor appreciative of hard work, progress on journey - Knoxville News Sentinel [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Egyptian Economy Making Slow, Tentative Progress - VOA News - Voice of America [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Marginal progress for Turkish-backed forces in north Syria - PBS NewsHour [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Syria Regional Crisis 2016 Emergency Appeal - Progress Report - Reliefweb [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- CWLP officials: Bailout repayment would set back progress - The State Journal-Register [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Clairton works: Real progress is coming to the former steel town - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Pistons' Johnson making halting but definite progress - The Detroit News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Bluefield officials urge those that want to see city progress to take online survey - Bluefield Daily Telegraph [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Virginia lawmakers making big progress despite shorter session - The Charlottesville Newsplex [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Tech industry shows little progress on racial diversity - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- North Korea Claims Progress on Long-Range Goal With Missile Test - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- How Travel Bans Can Impede America's Progress - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Adele, Beyonc, and the Grammys' Fear of Progress - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Ionis Earns $75M Milestone from Bayer for Progress of Antisense Drug Program - Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Guilford Schools annual report shows mixed results on progress - Greensboro News & Record (blog) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Sniper Elite 4 review in progress - PC Gamer [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- At California's Oroville Dam, Progress Made, but Threat Lingers - Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- For Honor Review In Progress - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Downtown Seattle's 'incredible year of progress' - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- CDC reports more progress against HIV, but gay Latinos contracted more infections - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- China's military progress challenges Western dominance, says IISS - Deutsche Welle [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- PFW in Progress Recap 2/14: Patriots Offseason Outlook - Patriots.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Huntsville-based Progress Bank to acquire Birmingham's First Partners Bank - Birmingham Business Journal [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- California officials lift evacuation order for 200000 threatened by damaged dam - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Indiana Regional Cities Initiative Gets Progress Report - Tristatehomepage.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Clean Samish Initiative partners discuss progress - goskagit.com [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Man United's Jose Mourinho: Progress in cups will create 'many problems' - ESPN FC [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Google Touts Progress in Android Security in 2016 - Threatpost [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- UW coach Lorenzo Romar: Markelle Fultz making progress but still not cleared to play - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Some Progress On Occupational Licensing But Much More Needed - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Officials making 'great progress' on California dam repairs, remind residents to stay vigilant - Fox News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Republicans' health care overhaul still a work in progress - Press Herald [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Why Do We Pay So Much More for No Progress? - Cato Institute (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Halo Wars 2 Review in Progress - IGN [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Lenovo's data center ambitions remain work in progress following Q3 results - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- S&P 500: 'Blow-off' Phase in Progress - DailyFX - DailyFX [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- F-35 Program Makes Significant, Solid Progress, Official Says - Department of Defense [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- PFW in Progress Recap 2/16: Free Agency and Potential Patriots - Patriots.com [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Combine invites are another sign of progress at Michigan - Big Ten ... - ESPN (blog) [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Donald Trump touts promise progress at press conference - PolitiFact [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Mild winter helping crews make significant progress on East End Connector - WRAL.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Latest edition of Pig Progress goes to Asia - Pig Progress (registration) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Committee updates Legislature on precinct consolidation progress - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- SEC basketball shows progress but has room for growth - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]