Overview

• 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.