The recent incident involving a South Carolina school resource officer forcibly yanking a 16 year old African American female student from her seat, and throwing her across the classroom for disobeying her teacher has sparked national outrage and controversy over topics such as racism, discipline, and most importantly the appropriate role for police in schools.

This certainly isn’t the first time that we have seen police brutality caught on video. Back in August a video was released of a school resource officer handcuffing an 8 year old boy with a mental disorder, who was left screaming in agony from being restrained. Another well-known incident was the arrest of Eric Garner in July of 2014 who later died due to the choke hold that was given to him during his arrest.

What seems to be the most shocking aspect of this recent incident are the events that led up to it. The student in the video did indeed break schools rules but it showed no indication of her breaking any criminal laws. Therefore, the manner in which the officer handled the situation was not only unnecessary but truly shocking and disturbing to watch.

We even have a school resource officer here at Pitman High School by the name of Devin Rush. When students were asked if they felt safe knowing we have an officer on campus considering the recent incidents, the responses were somewhat surprising.

“Well yeah, he is there to offer protection and help out as best as possible. It’s not his fault what has occurred,” said Kyle Reid (12th).

Another student, Robert Marks (11th) responded with “No, I have a fear of cops and authority because they can abuse [their] power.”

Many are beginning to question the role of police in schools and argue with the assertion that teachers are becoming seemingly reliant on handing over disciplinary responsibilities to police officers. This is one of the many issues that people wish to address. Should a police officer be called to discipline a misbehaving child? Or should the disciplinary roles of the officer be applied to only serious crimes? The question seems obvious but many would argue differently.

In a statement written by “The Journal Record” they found that “online commentators have said that the officer’s response was appropriate because children no longer respect authority.” Arguments like this have not only added heat to the controversy but have brought the issue of police in schools into the national spotlight.

Protecting and providing security has now turned into disciplinary and violent acts. Is this the role officers are now taking in our schools?

Sources:

http://journalrecord.com/2015/11/02/editorial-cops-in-schools-teach-wrong-lessons-opinion/

http://thenotebook.org/blog/159133/harold-jordan-kevin-bethel-discuss-police-schools-and-discipline-radio-times

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/27/us/south-carolina-school-resource-officers/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/10/28/school-resource-officer-civil-rights/74751574/

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-education/do-police-officers-belong-in-schools/npDjk/

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/11/04/new-scrutiny-for-school-police-after-violent.html

http://time.com/4093517/south-carolina-school-police-ben-fields/