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By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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KEY TAKEAWAYS |
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A school resource officer (SRO) was filmed violently punching a student. |
The altercation erupted after the student resisted walking through metal detectors. |
The SRO was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. |
The student faced initial charges that were dismissed due to the investigation’s outcome. |
The incident raised concerns about police presence and systemic racism in schools. |
Calls for systemic change in school safety protocols and training are growing louder. |
School Resource Officer Misconduct: A Disturbing Incident in Akron, Ohio
School Resource Officer Misconduct: A Disturbing Incident in Akron, Ohio
In an alarming incident of excessive force, a school resource officer (SRO) at Firestone Community Learning Center in Akron, Ohio, was filmed punching a 16-year-old student repeatedly in the head. This event has sparked widespread controversy, raising essential questions about law enforcement’s role in schools and the ongoing issue of racial discrimination within educational settings.
The Incident: A Violent Escalation
On October 16, 2024, what began as a routine security measure turned into a violent confrontation. The student, whose identity remains private due to his age, was asked to walk through metal detectors multiple times. This seemingly small request quickly led to an intense conflict, leaving the community in shock and demanding explanations.
Security footage shows the student attempting to avoid the metal detectors upon entering school. Staff soon escorted him back to the security checkpoint. The situation intensified when staff discovered he was carrying a cell phone, a banned item on campus. As tensions rose, the student reportedly tried to bypass the officers to enter the school, triggering the aggressive response from the SRO (Akron police officer seen punching student at Firestone CLC).
School Resource Officer Use of Force (2020)
The SRO’s violent response, captured on video, shows the officer striking the student’s head multiple times. This excessive force not only violated the student’s rights but also serves as a reminder of the problem of police violence within schools. The incident raises pressing questions about training, accountability, and the presence of law enforcement in education.
The Aftermath: A Community Demands Justice
Following this incident, the school district took swift action. At the district’s request, the SRO was removed from the school and placed on administrative duty. Meanwhile, the student initially faced charges of resisting arrest, obstructing duties, and trespassing. However, these charges were later dismissed, pending the investigation’s outcome (News 5 Cleveland).
On October 21, 2024, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik held a press conference to discuss the incident. The mayor’s involvement underscores the weight of this event and the widespread concern it has generated. The following day, surveillance footage was released, increasing public outrage and the call for justice.
On October 24, 2024, the student’s mother spoke with local media, sharing her concerns about racial profiling. Her statement adds an essential viewpoint, emphasizing how these incidents disproportionately impact students of color.
Racial Disparities in School Discipline (2019)
A Broader Problem: Racial Bias in Education
This incident is not an isolated event; it reflects a larger issue. SROs are supposed to create safer schools, yet their presence often criminalizes typical teenage behavior, especially among students of color. Research shows Black students are unfairly targeted for discipline, suspension, and arrest within schools.
According to a study in the Journal of Adolescent Health, schools with SROs show higher rates of suspension, expulsion, and arrest compared to those without. The research noted a 3.5% rise in suspensions and a 2.5% increase in expulsions where SROs are present (Journal of Adolescent Health). This data paints a troubling picture of the impact of law enforcement in schools, especially on Black students.
The Role and Growth of School Resource Officers
School Resource Officers (SROs) first appeared in U.S. schools in the 1950s, primarily to foster positive interactions between students and local law enforcement. Originally focused on small incidents like theft or truancy, the role of SROs expanded significantly by the 1990s due to federal programs and a rise in concern over school safety. The Columbine shooting and similar tragedies led to increased funding for SROs through initiatives like the *COPS in Schools* program, and today, about 35% of U.S. schools have SROs on campus (School Resource Officers—A Brief History, The Presence of School Resource Officers in America’s Schools).
Although SROs are often seen as part of school safety measures, their presence is controversial. In addition to security, SROs have taken on roles in student discipline, which some argue pushes young people into the juvenile justice system for minor infractions. Critics claim that relying on SROs for behavioral issues fuels the “school-to-prison pipeline,” particularly affecting students of color who face higher rates of school-based arrests than their peers (Police at School: A Brief History and Current Status of School Resource Officers).
Understanding Systemic Racism in Education
Systemic racism refers to policies and practices within institutions that create disadvantages for specific racial groups. This type of bias is not about individual prejudice but rather about structural patterns that lead to unequal treatment. In schools, systemic racism can appear in disciplinary practices that target students of color more frequently, leading to unfair suspensions, expulsions, or legal consequences for behaviors that may not receive the same response among white students. Recognizing systemic racism is essential for addressing the ways racial bias affects students’ educational experiences (School Resource Officers—A Brief History, The Presence of School Resource Officers in America’s Schools).
Definition of Systemic Racism
Systemic Racism: Patterns within institutions that create unequal outcomes for specific racial groups, as seen in education, policing, and other sectors. Recognizing these structural biases is key to creating fair educational environments.
Restorative Justice: An Alternative to Traditional Discipline
Restorative justice offers a different approach to school discipline, focusing on mending harm rather than punishment. In this approach, students participate in discussions where they reflect on the impact of their actions and work toward solutions that restore relationships. Many schools using restorative justice have reported drops in suspension rates, along with stronger school communities. This method emphasizes empathy and accountability, showing promise as a positive alternative to traditional discipline (Police at School: A Brief History and Current Status of School Resource Officers, School Resource Officers | Office of Justice Programs).
Advocates see restorative practices as a better alternative to punitive approaches often enforced by SROs. Instead of escalating incidents, restorative justice fosters understanding and teaches conflict resolution. This shift could reduce racial disparities in school discipline by addressing behaviors constructively, which studies show improves student behavior and promotes a safer school environment overall (5 Successful Restorative Practices in Schools).
Improving Training for School Resource Officers
SRO training typically includes lessons in de-escalation, understanding youth behavior, and recognizing personal biases. Yet, many programs still lack guidance in areas such as cultural awareness, which is necessary to avoid misunderstandings with students from diverse backgrounds. Critics argue that enhancing SRO training can reduce instances where minor behavior issues result in excessive force (The Presence of School Resource Officers in America’s Schools, School Resource Officers | Office of Justice Programs).
Some districts have updated training to address these gaps, but national standards remain inconsistent. Advocates suggest that uniform, culturally-informed training for SROs would enable officers to respond calmly and build positive relationships with students, rather than escalating conflicts over minor rule violations (Police at School: A Brief History and Current Status of School Resource Officers).
Demanding Systemic Change
The Akron incident calls for urgent change. Removing one officer or introducing minor reforms does not suffice. Society must closely examine and change the systems that allow such events to happen. This includes reassessing the role of law enforcement in schools, tackling hidden biases in discipline, and implementing training that promotes calm, respectful interactions.
Additionally, schools must prioritize student voices, particularly those from students of color, when discussing safety and discipline. Their experiences matter and play a key role in developing policies that protect everyone. It’s time to shift from punishment-focused discipline to restorative practices that emphasize healing and community-building.
Final Thoughts: The Way Forward
The incident at Firestone Community Learning Center emphasizes the work needed to create fair and safe schools for all students. It challenges communities to face the uncomfortable truths about racial bias in schools and take direct steps to dismantle these unfair systems.
As we progress, vigilance is essential, holding institutions accountable and ensuring transparency in investigations and policy changes. With steady effort and commitment to fairness, society can create schools that protect every student, regardless of race or background. Though the path may be difficult, it is a journey necessary for our children’s future and for building an equitable society.
FAQ
Q: What happened in the Akron school incident?
A: A school resource officer was filmed repeatedly punching a 16-year-old student at Firestone Community Learning Center during a security check, raising concerns about police conduct and systemic racism in schools.
Q: What led to the confrontation between the officer and the student?
A: The student was asked to walk back through metal detectors and was found carrying a prohibited cell phone. The situation escalated as he attempted to bypass officers and enter the school, resulting in the violent response.
Q: What actions were taken after the incident?
A: The school resource officer was removed and placed on administrative duty. The student initially faced charges, but these were dismissed pending an investigation into the use of force.
Q: How does this incident relate to broader issues in schools?
A: This incident highlights systemic issues of police presence in schools, especially regarding the disproportionate impact on students of color, leading to increased disciplinary actions and arrests.
Q: What calls for change are being made?
A: Advocates are calling for a reevaluation of law enforcement’s role in schools, reforms in disciplinary practices, and the implementation of restorative justice methods to foster a more equitable environment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.