Group pushes against police, metal detectors in schools
Local attorneys from Lawyers for Civil Rights wrote BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper to say the presence of police and security measures in schools has gone too far.
“Lawyers for Civil Rights writes to express our strong opposition to the growing presence of police in Boston Public Schools and the use of intrusive security equipment such as metal detectors,” the letter written by LCR attorney Tasheena Davis reads. “We are concerned that over-reliance on law enforcement will exacerbate the criminalization of students of color and detract from educational experiences.”
The lawyers said they were alerted to the issue by community concerns brought by the local nonprofit Sociedad Latina. The letter requests a meeting with BPS leaders to discuss the issue.
The letter follows pushback from community members and four city councilors calling for more police presence and metal detectors in response the beating of a teacher walking a girl home from the Young Achievers School and other violent incidents earlier in the year.
Under BPS policy, schools may obtain metal detectors by issuing requests and receiving district approval. Police officers were phased out of BPS schools in 2021 and replaced with safety specialists who cannot arrest children.
Police Commissioner Michael Cox also noted the department would “welcome” being a part of BPS in January.
The LCR letter cited research showing “the presence of officers in schools does not increase school safety outcomes, and negatively impacts the educational environment and mental health of students of color.”
“LCR urges BPS to utilize positive behavioral interventions and supports, including increasing access to mental health services, trauma-informed care, tutoring and afterschool activities as alternatives before introducing more police and metal detectors,” the letter continued.
In response to the letter, a BPS spokesperson said the district “will continue to take this holistic approach to support the whole child and address the root causes of violence, while we also work closely with our partners in the Boston Police Department to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations and keep our students and communities safe.”