School-to-Prison Pipeline Risk for Students vs. Increased Police Presence
(If “school-to-prison pipeline” is an unfamiliar phrase, go to the Wikipedia link to read about this issue.)
SKCE joined other members of the community to give public comment at the school board business session on Tuesday evening, July 24th, concerning new plans for the school security department.
Community members were concerned that the new plans would increase the risk of students being caught up in the school-to-prison pipeline, which affects students of color and students who experience a disability and/or poverty. A U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights report clearly illustrates the severity and prevalence of this issue.
Salem Keizer school district is proposing to hire a sworn Police Officer to be the new Security Director, as Ray Byrd, former Security Director, has taken a new position with the Oregon Youth Authority. SKCE and many community members are concerned that this would change the culture, process, and procedures of school security and discipline.
Read the full Statesman Journal article by Natalie Pate
