Seattle School Board passes resolution putting moratorium on SPD officers in schools
The Seattle Public Schools Board this week passed a resolution to put into place an indefinite moratorium on having police officers in schools.
The moratorium — part of a resolution "affirming Seattle Public Schools' commitment to Black students" — comes as protests have continued for weeks in Seattle and across the country against police brutality and systemic racism.
"The District will commit to a moratorium on the utilization of the Seattle Police Department’s School Emphasis Officers and School Resources Officers programs and providing replacements supported by community. The duration of the moratorium is indefinite," the resolution said. "The District and Board will work in consultation with school communities, particularly Black and Indigenous families and students most directly impacted by policing in schools, to identify alternative, community-based, restorative mentorship for schools impacted by the programs’ cessation."
During the meeting this week, School Board Director Brandon Hersey said they need to figure out the needs these officers are filling in schools and be responsive to students and parents who have reached out about police presence in schools — both positively and negatively.
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