The Chicago Board of Education voted Tuesday to remove police officers from public schools, citing the “emotional safety” of students, despite a rise in criminal activity in the city.
In a 7-0 vote, the board unilaterally decided that Chicago Public Schools would not renew its contract with the Chicago Police Department. The decision effectively stripped schools of the power to decide whether to have resource officers.
Currently, CPD officers patrol 39 of the district’s 634 schools. WFLD The city’s public elementary schools reported no school resource officers.
Teachers, students and elected city officials addressed the board ahead of Thursday’s vote. During the nearly eight-hour school board meeting, some students said they were scared of resource officers. fox news digital report.
Those who supported firing the officers argued that they failed to make campus safer and discriminated against minorities. Supporters argued that the money spent on police staffing could be better spent on other things.
Some argued that having police officers on school grounds would keep students safe. Some argued that the decision to assign resource officers should be left up to individual schools.
The vote to remove the officers was part of a new “school-wide safety policy” approved by the board. WFLD said the updated policy must receive final approval from the board over the summer to take effect next school year.
After the vote, the school board wrote a letter saying, “Many schools are hiring physical safety personnel, such as entrance guards, crossing guards, and safe passageway officers, to ensure that students get to and from school. I would like to make it clear that I will continue to employ them in the future.” ”
“Some schools will also continue to use physical security tools, such as surveillance cameras and metal detectors. In addition, each school will also continue to use physical security tools, such as surveillance cameras and metal detectors. Additionally, each school will use the positions assigned to each police district to provide safety support. Continue to maintain a relationship with a local Chicago Police Department “school sergeant.” schools,” the board added.
Funds previously used for SRO staffing will be reallocated to “alternative safety positions, resources and interventions,” the board noted. WFLD reported that alternative safety efforts include staffing “restorative justice coordinators and youth intervention specialists.” Other efforts include “re-engagement, healing-centered and restorative discipline practices,” the paper said. It also noted that the funds could also be used to provide “de-escalation” training to school staff.
Board member Mariela Estrada said the resolution “reinforces the board’s commitment to focus on alternative safety systems that create physical and mental safety, which we have previously heard shared by many young people. ” was achieved. como report.
Board member Tanya Woods said, “The importance of considering the unique circumstances of school communities when developing the universal goal of establishing physical, mental, and relational safety in all schools. It doesn’t mean you’re losing your sexuality.”
according to CPD statistics, overall crime in 2023 increased by 16% compared to 2022. Homicides are down 13% and robberies are down 2%. However, motor vehicle theft increased by 37%, robbery by 23%, aggravated battery by 6%, criminal sexual assault by 3%, and theft by 3%. Overall, crime in Chicago has increased by 68% since 2020.
Do you like Blaze News? Avoid censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Please register here!
