Dear Edina Leadership,

As a parent in Edina, I want to first express my heartbreak over the recent incident and it is deeply distressing to see this happen in our community. All students deserve to feel safe, valued, and protected within their school.

I am deeply committed to the safety, well-being, and equitable academic experiences of every child in our community. Schools should be spaces where children feel safe, supported, and challenged to grow without fear of discrimination or harassment.

However, it's deeply concerning and troubling by the way this incident is being handled. Reports indicate that students are being questioned by the police without parental consent and without legal representation. This raises serious concerns about the protection of students’ rights and their treatment during the investigation. Profiling and interrogating children without proper safeguards not only undermines trust but also sets a dangerous precedent, contributing to the harmful school-to-prison pipeline.

I believe in creating a school system where every child feels safe and valued. Schools must be places of learning, development, and opportunity—not fear or discrimination. It is essential that our schools actively foster a culture of respect and inclusion, allowing students to grow and learn without the threat of profiling or unjust treatment. Discrimination in any form must not be tolerated.

I urge you to take the following actions to ensure that students’ safety and rights are fully protected:

1. Stop Questioning Without Parental Consent and Representation

Implement clear policies to prevent police from questioning students without notifying their parents and ensuring legal representation is available.

2. Develop Transparent Communication Channels

Establish clear procedures to inform families about incidents involving their children and provide timely updates about any investigations or disciplinary actions.

3. Provide Support and Resources to Students

Ensure that students involved in any incident receive appropriate counseling, support, and restorative justice opportunities to promote healing and accountability.

4. Mandate Equity and Anti-Bias Training

Require all school staff and law enforcement officers interacting with students to undergo regular training to prevent profiling and ensure fair treatment of every child.

This incident is a wake-up call to the urgent need for change. As leaders, you have a responsibility to ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth, free from fear or discrimination. I implore you to act swiftly and decisively to rebuild trust and safeguard the rights and dignity of all Edina students.

Cheryl Barry

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