Seven meetings beginning July 13 through July 30 - see dates below
We need your voice! The school system is addressing school police and school safety issues; public testimony is important. The ACLU supports school discipline policies and practices that correct student behavior, limit arbitrary decisions, and apply effective consequences, such as restorative justice practices. We also work to make sure school policies do not negatively or disproportionately impact students of color. To ensure that all Baltimore students are disciplined appropriately, we have asked for the following: policies for school administrators and staff concerning the role of school police; student arrest numbers and data on diversion efforts; and school police trainings that cover youth development, cultural competency and disability awareness. We hope that these meetings will shed light on these issues.
This conversation emerged earlier this year after the introduction of HB101/SB17. The legislation would have authorized school police to carry guns in any Baltimore City public school or on any other property used for educational purposes during school hours. News of the legislation sparked a debate about guns in schools, the policing of children versus policing to protect from outside intruders, and the best way to create a safe and positive learning environment for Baltimore students. After hearings revealed a lack of clarity about the need and reason for the change in gun policy, and the school system's failure to adequately notify the public, the legislation failed. City Schools then determined that school police should be deployed (with guns) outside school buildings in the community, with the exception of 7 schools. City Schools heard Annapolis' call for more community input, and the upcoming meetings were scheduled.
City Schools' Community Conversations: Safe Neighborhoods, Safe Schools
Monday, July 13 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, 1400 Orleans Street
Friday, July 17 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Forest Park High School, 3701 Eldorado Avenue
Saturday, July 18 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Baltimore City Public Schools Board Room, 200 East North Avenue
Monday, July 20 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Violetville Elementary School, 1207 Pine Heights Avenue
Monday, July 27 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Southeast Anchor Public Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue
Wednesday, July 29 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM - For Hispanic Families
Southeast Anchor Library, 3601 Eastern Avenue
Thursday, July 30 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM - Final Meeting
Hamilton Public Library, 5910 Harford Road
