School-based policing is one of the fastest growing areas of law enforcement. The presence of Student Resource Officers (SROs) in high schools is associated with higher levels of exclusionary discipline. SROs in schools consequentially result in suspensions, expulsions and arrests — especially for students of color. SROs do not make school environments comfortable or welcoming, and their presence creates fear and trauma that detracts from the learning environment.

Resource officers do not make schools safer; they funnel children into the criminal justice system. South Brunswick schools need to alternatively invest in resources that address disparities in opportunity and discipline.

This country continues to witness violence displayed by police departments towards black and brown community members, and since South Brunswick has a significant population of black students, there is real reason to believe that the continued presence of SROs in schools will worsen the trauma that many students live with. 

We are demanding board members Barry Nathanson, Arthur L. Robinson, Patrick Del Piano, Ray Kuehner, Joyce Mehta, Dr. Stephen F. Parker, Deven M. Patel, Lisa Rodgers, and Joseph Scaletti to consider the termination of South Brunswick school district's relationship with Student Resource Officers.

While considering the interest and the lives of students and families, the South Brunswick school board needs to end the presence of police officers in schools. Please sign this petition to tell the school board that they need to terminate the district's contract and prepare alternative plans for keeping students safe.