Public schools should prioritize student support systems over increased policing. Many schools continue to allocate funding toward School Resource Officers (SROs) while students face growing mental health challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress. Research has shown that students of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by school policing practices, including higher rates of suspension, disciplinary action, and school-based arrests. These patterns contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline and reinforce systemic inequities within education.

This advocacy effort focuses on California Education Code Section 38000, which allows school districts to establish school police departments. While intended to promote school safety, many schools continue allocating significant resources toward policing while students lack adequate access to counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health supports.

This petition advocates for increased investment in school-based mental health professionals such as counselors, social workers, and psychologists, while reducing reliance on punitive disciplinary approaches. Students deserve access to supportive, trauma-informed environments that prioritize well-being, emotional support, and educational success over surveillance and criminalization.

By supporting this petition, you are advocating for schools that invest in mental health resources, educational equity, and student support services.