This is unacceptable. We need to care for our young people, not police them. States and districts need to fund mental health supports, restorative and transformative justice practices, and to develop trusted adult leadership. Our schools should work with young people, their families and communities to make schools safe and welcoming.
Yet we see states continue to push forward policies that criminalize young Black students and other students of color. Right now in Wisconsin, state legislators are considering passing a bill, AB69, which would require schools deemed at higher risk of incidents to employ armed police officers. This legislation would rollback the hard-fought wins that the courageous young people of Freedom, Inc. have achieved.
We need to help students in Wisconsin stop this harmful bill. Share this post now calling on the Wisconsin Senate to STOP AB69.
Real safety looks like a positive school climate and engaged learning community. Young people deserve #PoliceFreeSchools.
Stand in solidarity with Freedom Inc.’s Youth Squad! Take action now by sharing this post demanding the Wisconsin Senate STOP AB69 and support #PoliceFreeSchools in Wisconsin.
In solidarity,
Katherine Dunne
Program Director, Opportunity to Learn
Advancement Project