This is a deeply personal issue affecting the safety and well-being of the entire student body at Berkeley High School, CA. Our School Resource Officer, Officer Lino Guananja, who is responsible for our protection and security, has sadly been abusing his power with bitter intent. It’s deeply unsettling to fear for our safety within the confines of our school due to the actions of those meant to ensure it. Predominantly minorities and women in our community are being targeted, fostering an environment of discomfort and fear.

In the past three weeks, our SRO has violated multiple board policies while arresting three students on campus. These incidents have included wrongful and inhumane treatment, highlighting a disturbing abuse of authority. This blatant misuse of power creates a severe imbalance between faculty and students, underscoring the urgent need for immediate action.

This petition is not just about bringing attention to this issue—it is a demand for concrete change. We call for the removal of the current School Resource Officer. An officer who abuses their power to harm students has no place in an educational institution.

However, removal alone is not enough. We demand the following systemic reforms:

1) Extensive Training for Future SROs – Any future School Resource Officer must undergo rigorous, comprehensive training before placement in our school. This training should focus on ethical and lawful enforcement practices, de-escalation techniques, and the appropriate use of power to ensure student safety and trust.
Clearer Policies for Transparency and Communication – The district must establish policies that improve communication between SROs, administrators, and students to prevent future incidents. This includes a clear and accessible protocol for reporting misconduct and ensuring accountability.

2) Student Education on Their Rights – Students must be fully informed of their rights when interacting with school security personnel. We demand workshops, assemblies, or curriculum integration to educate students on their legal rights in cases of apprehension, detention, or questioning by an SRO.

3) Regular Meetings with Student Leadership – School Resource Officers should be required to meet regularly with student body leadership and/or administration to foster transparency, address concerns, and ensure that the officer’s role aligns with the needs and safety of the students.
It is our right to feel safe and protected in our school. This is not just about removing one harmful element but about creating long-lasting changes that foster a safer, more secure learning environment for all students—both here at Berkeley High and in schools across the country.

Please sign this petition and lend your voice to this vital cause.