No to POLICE ENFORCEMENT in our SCHOOLS

The Issue

HB 1071 is a bill on the table in Washington State Legislature that proposed SRO (Police Officers) presence in our public schools. Equity in Education Coalition is STRONGLY opposed to having police in our children's schools.

Consider this - The school-to-prison pipeline is a very real thing in our society and this bill will target mostly SCHOOLS OF COLOR or those located in URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS. There’s no reason to hear this proposition in our state. The RESEARCH shows that the SROs don’t prevent crime but CRIMINALIZE developmentally appropriate behavior. What we need are more mental health workers and licensed therapists.

Research shows that SROs do little to reduce on-campus violence or mass shootings, and their presence is often damaging to students of color and students with disabilities. Having SROs in schools can actually create higher rates of behavioral incidents and spikes in suspensions, expulsions, and arrests.

This is just another way to put our children, particularly those of color on a fast track to having a criminal record. Then throw them under the bus when it comes time to use statistics to show how "bad" we are. Children need the proper support to get through the challenges all human beings face when they are growing up. It's the ones who didn't get this support themselves that think always having the option to arrest or use force on children is the answer. Children need guidance in their formative years, not legal punishments, police intimidation, or force.

Let’s help our youth to become the best versions of themselves by listening to them and showing up for them in the ways they need to feel supported mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

BILL SUMMARY (VOTE NO): https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/1071%20HBA%20ED%2023.pdf?q=20230129230423

COMMENT AGAINST HB 1071 Here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1071