Take Action: The Cost of School Policing
TAKE ACTION NOW
Florida has seen an increase in arrests at schools since the 2018 Legislature passed a measure requiring every public school to have an officer or security personnel onsite. A new study, “The Cost of School Policing,” reveals that this school policing mandate has only increased negative outcomes for students.
For the first time, there are more police officers working in Florida schools than school nurses. During the 2018-19 school year, the number of youth arrests at school increased by 8 percent, while the number of youths arrested everywhere else in the community declined by 12 percent.
Heightened police presence in schools did not decrease the number of behavioral incidents in schools; it only increased the number of less severe incidents being referred to law enforcement.
The negative consequences of school policing have fallen most heavily on Black and brown students and those with disabilities. Kids belong in school, not in the criminal justice system, but this mandate has forced many of our youth into the school-to-prison pipeline.
Our lawmakers must repeal the mandate and return discretion to local communities over whether and how police should be involved in schools. Our students deserve better.
Use the form below to send your email and tell your legislator to repeal the school policing mandate in Florida today.
Message Recipient: Florida State Senators and Representatives