NYCLU Statement in Response to Adams Administration Increasing School Safety Agents and Scanners

NEW YORK CITY – Following the Adams Administration’s decision to hire at least 650 new “assistant” school safety agents and install new scanning technology in nearly 80 schools, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement, attributable to Johanna Miller, director of the Education Policy Center at the New York Civil Liberties Union:  

“The experience of being surveilled, searched, and monitored every day in school is dehumanizing and, more often than not, results in the criminalization of young children. There is no evidence proving that increased scanners and police presence make schools safer. In fact, it only heightens student distrust and drives more arrests, suspensions, and expulsions — particularly amongst students of color who are already disproportionately targeted by police.

“To make our schools safer, the Adams administration should start by ceasing harmful, unnecessary school budget cuts and hiring more guidance counselors, social workers, after-school supports, and teachers — all of which would help improve long-term school climates and connect students with the services they need. Forcing our city’s youth to endure invasive school policing that endangers their safety and wellbeing is not the answer.”