Why Denver School Board is Divided Over Police Presence in Schools

Denver School Board Debates Police Presence in Schools

The Background

The Denver School Board has been grappling with the issue of police presence in schools in the wake of a series of shootings on campus. At a meeting on Thursday, the board spent an hour debating two competing proposals. One proposal gave the superintendent the authority to put police in schools as needed, while the other proposed the creation of rotating community resources officers. However, the board did not come to a consensus or a plan for moving forward. In fact, they didn’t even schedule a vote and considered putting aside both proposals for a vote on a plan to ban police from district schools.

The Debate

The debate over police presence in schools is a contentious issue that goes beyond just Denver. On one hand, many argue that police officers in schools help keep students safe and can serve as positive role models for students. On the other hand, there is concern that the presence of armed police officers can lead to the criminalization of student behavior and the perpetuation of racial biases.

This debate has only been exacerbated by the recent school shootings across the country. As communities struggle to find solutions to this persistent problem, the role of police officers in schools has come under increased scrutiny.

The Philosophy

As a society, we must ask ourselves what we want schools to be. Should schools be places of safety or places of learning? Can they be both? What does safety mean in this context? Is it just the absence of physical harm, or does it encompass emotional and psychological safety as well?

Furthermore, we must examine the role of law enforcement in society. Do we want police officers to be involved in every aspect of our lives, including schools? Is this level of police involvement in schools an overreaction to a perceived threat, or is it necessary to keep students safe?

Finally, we must confront the issue of racial bias in law enforcement and its impact on students of color. The criminalization of student behavior and the presence of armed police officers in schools can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create a hostile environment for students of color.

The Editorial

The Denver School Board’s inability to come to a consensus on this issue highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to school safety. While it is important to ensure the safety of students in schools, this cannot come at the expense of their emotional and psychological well-being. The presence of armed police officers in schools can create an environment of fear and mistrust that is detrimental to student learning.

At the same time, we must acknowledge that schools in certain communities face unique challenges that require a different approach to school safety. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, schools should have the flexibility to develop safety plans that work for their specific needs.

It is also imperative that we address the issue of racial bias in law enforcement and the impact that this has on students of color. We cannot ignore the fact that students of color are disproportionately affected by the criminalization of student behavior and the presence of police officers in schools.

The Advice

In addressing the issue of police presence in schools, it is important that we center the needs of students and create an environment of open dialogue and collaboration. Schools should work with their local communities to develop safety plans that are tailored to their specific needs, and these plans should prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of students.

Furthermore, we must address the issue of racial bias in law enforcement and its impact on students of color. Schools should work proactively to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Finally, it is important to recognize that there is no quick fix to the issue of school safety. It is an ongoing process that requires ongoing engagement and dialogue between schools, communities, and law enforcement. By working together, we can create safer, more inclusive schools that promote student well-being and academic success.