Thread by @ameenalpayne

We must remove police/SROs from our schools!
@dwmarlin @UrbanaHS @UrbanaMiddle116 @cityofurbana @Urbana116
@VOYCEProject @Unit4Schools @VoicesofAcademia

#PoliceFreeSchools
#CounselorsNotCops
#BlackMentalHealthMatters
#PoliceFreeSchools

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As an @UrbanaHS graduate, I am saddened that @Urban116 has opted to spend $103,813 (start up cost) + $321,300/yr to fund police presence (whom openly carry loaded hand guns) at @UrbanaMiddle116 & @UrbanaHS
@dwmarlin @cityofurbana

#PoliceFreeSchools

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We know that the mere presence of police in schools serves to reinforce & accelerate the school to prison pipeline, & this is borne out by data.
@dwmarlin @UrbanaHS @UrbanaMiddle116 @cityofurbana @Urbana116 @VoicesofAcademia

#CounselorsNotCops
#PoliceFreeSchools

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U.S. Dept of Edu’s Civil Rights Data Collection for the 15/16 academic year: Black students represented 15% of enrollment in public schools across the country, yet they accounted for 31% of students who were referred to law enforcement or arrested. @dwmarlin @Urbana116
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@Urbana116 board member, Peggy Patten agrees:
"I agree with your position that police have no place in our schools [...] I hope we will revisit the issue again this fall especially as the reality of our budget shortfall needs to be addressed."

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I am, not suggesting that the SROs are not delivering on their required outputs. The real question is whether or not the presence is adding value to the student community in achieving their learning outcomes & providing an environment conducive for deep learning.
@Urbana116

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There is no easy solution here, but I feel allocation of these funds to other efforts is a great start.
@dwmarlin @UrbanaHS @UrbanaMiddle116 @cityofurbana @Urbana116

#PoliceFreeSchools
#CounselorsNotCops
#BlackMentalHealthMatters

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