As a mother, I've witnessed the devastating impact of inadequate training and communication within our public schools' safety system. My 14-year-old autistic son, who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and had a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to create an appropriate Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) to address his specific behaviors at school, was arrested following a meltdown that he had at school. After being detained and having 3 charges placed on him-one that’s an actual felony, he was placed in jail for several days. 

Despite these safeguards in place for his behavior, the School Resource Officers (SROs) were uninformed about his mental health diagnosis, leading to him almost being tasered down by the school SROs, which then resulted in his unjust incarceration.

My son was without access to his necessary medications on the first day of him being detained. This absence of vital medication triggered severe withdrawal symptoms, while he was alone and scared in his cold jail cell crying for several hours each day. Despite yelling that it was a medical emergency, he was screaming for help with no attention or concerns from the jail officers. Again, I want to remind you that I am speaking about my 14 YEAR OLD son who is AUTISTIC and has several other diagnoses. 

More often than not, these kind of students have a very hard time expressing themselves and it is very unfortunate that they can potentially face an injustice and unwarranted physical violence because they can’t find their voice. They need US! We need to be their voice!

In addition, During my sons court appearance, the prosecutor along with my sons arresting officer were also in agreement with the lack of information that the SROs experience at the schools and both mentioned what a tremendous difference it would make in their approach if the proper information were given before arriving on scene. SROs have also been fighting and advocating for body cam usage and the police department has continuously denied that. SROs should be REQUIRED to wear body cameras while on duty, providing full transparency, accountability and quality control. This will indeed help ease their mind from any possible liability that may be presented in the future. SROs that are placed in our schools should have required trainings to attend prior to placement that should be hosted by special education teachers and mental health professionals that have a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to this specific population of students. 

Research shows that 26% of students with disabilities are referred to law enforcement, compared with only 14% of the general student population (source: National Council on Disability Report). Yet, these students more than any others require understanding and compassionate handling, not punitive treatment.

With every signature on this petition, we take a step closer to ensuring no child endures what my son went through. He was released home with bronchitis that he had developed while he lasted several days in the freezing government facility that he was transported to. My son also experienced a broken toe as a result of being forced to be in handcuffs while he was having a crisis.

We demand information disclosure to SROs, mandated body cameras for transparency, and training that is attuned to the needs of differently-abled students with trained special education teachers and mental health professionals to foster a safer and more understanding environment in our schools. Especially for those that don’t have a voice or fall through the cracks.

Please sign the petition so we can make a change immediately. 

Thank you!