Connections: Debating the presence of police in schools

Students in the Rochester City School District no longer see police officers in their schools. As part of the approval of the city’s budget in June, all 12 school resource officers were removed from RCSD campuses. The call to remove police officers from schools is being made by districts across the country; those calls escalated following the killing of George Floyd. Advocates for removal say officers make students feel unsafe and they can criminalize students – especially students of color. Those who support the presence of police in schools say well-trained officers can help students diffuse conflicts and address issues like drug and alcohol use.

Our guests this hour discuss the issue:

• Eamonn Scanlon, education and policy analyst for The Children’s Agenda 
• Je’Carl Hill, associate coordinator at Teen Empowerment, and recent Rochester City School District graduate
• Tony Micciche, former Monroe County Legislator