Chicago Board of Education Decides to Remove Police from Schools

In a move to shift towards a holistic approach to student safety, the Chicago Board of Education votes to eliminate school police officers by the next academic year.

The Chicago Board of Education has voted to remove all school resource officers from campuses by the next academic year, aiming for a more holistic approach to student safety.
The decision was influenced by years of advocacy and aims to address disparities in student discipline, particularly among students with disabilities and Black students.
Critics argue that the presence of officers in some communities provides a sense of safety, while supporters of the decision call for investment in social workers, mental health resources, and restorative justice practices.
The district plans to draft a new school safety policy by June 27, explicitly banning school resource officers and emphasizing conflict resolution over punishment.
The move has sparked significant debate, with some advocating for local school councils to retain the power to decide on the presence of police officers in schools.