Kyle Woods has been hired as a police officer at Adelanto High School without any community input. In 2018, he was involved in the fatal shooting of a mentally disabled unarmed black man—a case that led to a $33.5 million lawsuit.

The community should be aware and mindful of the risks this decision poses to our students. Our schools, home to many African American students and others who deserve safety and respect, cannot afford to ignore the impact of this hire. Allowing someone with such a troubling record to patrol our halls undermines trust, safety, and the values we claim to uphold.

We demand that VVUHSD immediately reconsider this hiring, open the decision-making process to the community, and ensure our students are protected. This is not just about one officer—this is about the safety and dignity of every student in our district.