[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Foothills stands with the leadership of youth of color from Poudre School District calling for a discussion around funding and police presence in PSD.
The current students, alumni and their parents calling for this conversation have asked for our solidarity by writing to our school board to call for a conversation around policing and funding in PSD at boe@psdschools.org.
Supporting alternatives to police in schools is a conversation about transitioning funding to resources proven to best support the lives and wellness of students – such as counselors, therapists, family liaisons and better teacher pay.
You can read more about their full campaign below:
Say NO to Police in Schools!
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- 25% of students in Poudre School District are students of color.
- 50% of PSD students referred to law enforcement or disciplined are students or color.
Data shows:
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- Police in schools leads to racial profiling of students.
- Police in schools leads to more suspensions & expulsions for students of color.
- Police in schools increase fear & mistrust among students of color.
- Police in schools leads to violations of procedural & civil rights.
- Police in schools leads to the criminalization of students, especially students of color, and substantially increases the likelihood of future incarceration.
- Police in schools do not make us safer.
There are many alternatives to having police in schools. These alternatives reduce police violence, improve safety & education, and are healthier for our community
On Tuesday, June 9th, the Poudre School District Board will consider signing a new contract with the Fort Collins Police Department to keep police in our schools for another year. Those police cost our school district between $1 and $2 million dollars a year, at a time when our schools have no money.
Please write an email to the school board at: boe@psdschools.org
Do it today. Tell them to not sign the contract and to listen to student and community ideas for alternatives to police in schools first.
We need youth and community voices involved in this conversation. To join the campaign, please send an email to nomoresros@gmail.com
If you did not attend Tuesday’s school board meeting there’s still time to get involved, this conversation is just beginning.
Rev. Kristen Psaki
Assistant Minister for Beloved Community[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]