New Business Item 31 Action:Awaiting Debate
The NEA will encourage school districts, using existing publications, to refocus their budgets to prioritize community policing. The emphasis should include using mental health professionals, addiction counselors, and social workers. There should also be a priority on additional training for school resource officers (SROs) towards the de-escalation of situations involving all students.
Rationale/Background
Minority students are disproportionately adversely affected by the action of school district SROs. They are more likely to be suspended or put into juvenile justice systems over these encounters. Community policing would allow encounters to address the cause rather than punish.
Submitted By
50 Delegates
Contact
Chelsea Foo - OK
Strategic Objective
SO-3: Advance Racial Justice in Education
SO-4: Provide Professional Supports
Cost Implications
This item cannot be accomplished with current staff and resources under the proposed Modified 2021-2022 Strategic Plan and Budget. It would cost an additional $33,000.
