TOLEDO, Ohio — Some parents and alumni are calling for change in policing inside Toledo Public Schools buildings. During a school board meeting on Thursday night they asked the district to remove all law enforcement officers from the schools.
Julian Mack, a leader with the Community Solidarity Response Network of Toledo and TPS alumnus, believes that the increase in police in communities and inside schools since he's been out of the classroom has not led to increased safety.
"Prior to 1999, 2000, there were not Toledo police officers in Toledo public schools," said Mack.
The public speakers at the meeting want the officers to instead be replaced with workers they believe can better help the students.
"Toledo public school children deserve more counselors," Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Reem Subei said. "They deserve social workers. And they deserve therapists more than officers. Schools are not prisons and they should not be operated as such."
The conversation around community policing is going on right now in the wake of George Floyd's death. Many people, including parents, said they believe that extends to the schools.
"Because of their presence, more children find themselves in the courthouse than the principal's office," said Twila Page, family of a TPS student.
Even a student spoke out and said the presence of police inside the school doesn't make her feel safer.
"School's supposed to be a place of learning and growth," said recent graduate Cassidy McClellan. "How can students learn when they're subconsciously reminded of jail? That is what officers remind us of, jail."
One parent even recounted how her young son had an encounter with TPS officers.
"Jace was only eight years old when officers at his school held him down," said parent Takisha Grant, "not once, not twice, but many times. My son is not a criminal or a prisoner."
A TPS spokesperson confirmed the district employs nine full-time school resource officers and also has a contract with Toledo Police to place officers at all high schools. But these community members feel that money can be put to better use.
"One of our recommendations is that the school should create groups and conversations with parents and with community groups," said Subei, "to see where they would like their money to be spent."
The board thanked the community for its input and said it will take it into consideration.
RELATED VIDEO: Toledo City Council continues police reform discussions
