Los Angeles schools just did the right thing!
According to CNN, the schools are responsible for the reorganization of the police agency responsible for school safety. On Tuesday (February 16), The Board of Education overseeing the Los Angeles Unified School District voted to cut $25 million from the Los Angeles School Police Department. The move also cut 133 jobs in the department.
Instead of being used for the police agency, the money will go to a Black Student Achievement Plan to improve student literacy, empower community groups, and reduce the “over-identification of Black students in suspensions, discipline and other measures,” according to the meeting agenda.
“We are taking an important step in the right direction to provide Black students with vital investments in their success — with millions of dollars going toward academic support, social-emotional resources, and a new approach to school climate and safety,” said school board member, Nick Melvoin. “This student and community-driven action was long overdue.”
Cutting the police department budget did not seem to be a surprise to the agency.
“From the onset, the depth and significance of this action was obvious and today’s decision brings the realism of a forthcoming LASPD reform to our service delivery model,” said Chief Leslie Ramirez.
The Los Angeles Unified School District is the nation’s second-largest school district. A spokesperson also reports that the board has banned the use of pepper spray against students.
