Police and metal detectors in schools: Student perspectives

Police and metal detectors in schools: Student perspectives

Author: Ethical Schools July 22, 2020 Duration: 27:30

Nia Morgan and Anahi Ortiz Fierros of Urban Youth Collaborative describe how police and metal detectors humiliate and traumatize students. The story of the “fork in the backpack” illustrates the system’s absurdity. And while NYC school arrests are down overall, Black and Latinx students are arrested at much higher rates than white students. NYS legislature considers Solutions Not Suspensions Act. Campaigns for police-free schools are taking place around the country. 

Overview

00:00-01:02 Intros

01:02-01:29 The Urban Youth Collaborative

01:29-02:39 90% of school arrests, summons, juvenile reports are of Black and Latinx students

02:39-03:48 UYC’s shift from improved interactions to elimination of police from schools

03:48-06:14 Examples of student experiences with police

06:14-07:40 Differences in how police and school staff treat students

07:40-09:55 NYC’s new budget will not bring necessary change

09:55-13:01 Campaigns around the country for police-free schools; Salem OR school board member wears blackface throughout meeting on BLM

13:01-13:44 Toronto as a model

13:44-16:24 Solutions Not Suspension Act in NYS legislature; opposed by teachers union

16:24-20:05 What’s needed in school culture; staff professional development to create safe schools; NYC commitment to restorative practices expansion but now not in budget

20:05-23:31 Effects of metal detectors in schools; student stories of incidents including a fork in a backpack and art supplies in a bag

23:31-25:42 Traumatic effects of police in schools; policing just doesn’t work

25:42-27:30 Outro

Transcript

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Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 240

Ethical Schools
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