I'm a student at Amos. P. Godby, and I speak for many of us when I say we feel over policed and undervalued. We face significant daily challenges; like not having enough proper school food options, lacking accessible water fountains both inside and outside the buildings, a lack of academic course material, lack of effective funding for extracurricular activities, etc. These are issues that directly affect our health, well-being, and ability to focus on our studies.

Yet, instead of addressing these urgent needs, our school administration has chosen to implement monitoring drones equipped with pepper spray. These drones not only represent a misuse of funds but also pose a significant threat to our safety and peace of mind. The cost involved in implementing this technology could be redirected towards improving the quality of our academic abilities and installing or at a minimum repairing necessary facilities.

While the intention may be to improve security, deploying drones with such capabilities in a high school context is excessive and concerning. No student should have to worry about the possibility of being pepper-sprayed in their learning environment. It's vital that our educational environment remains a place of safety, comfort, and growth, free from fear and discomfort created by such technologies.

Other alternatives exist that can address security concerns without resorting to such extreme measures. Increased presence of cooperative security personnel, better training of staff, and understanding students reasons for this behavior, can provide a safer environment while building trust within the school community instead of implementing fear in an already stressful and volatile environment.

I urge the school administration to listen to the voices of its students and prioritize our essential needs. By removing these drones, we can refocus on creating a nurturing and supportive educational environment that truly values our well-being and future.

Please sign this petition to demand the removal of monitoring drones from our high schools, and advocate for the allocation of resources towards improving our daily school experience.

*Disclaimer*: This petition is not affiliated with any organization or group of Amos. P. Godby High school or other Leon County Schools organization/club, this is purely a student led petition and act of awareness.