Curiosity

 

I really wish more people leaned toward curiosity before they chose judgment.

I’ve been hanging on to this quote because it really made me think. I haven’t used it because I can’t remember where I found it and can’t accurately credit the author. I’ve decided I’m going to risk it. Please let me know if it is yours and you would like to be credited. 

The main reason I saved this is that it put me in mind of one of the stories shared with the Howard County Library’s Brave Voices Brave Choices initiative. 

Less of a story and more general observations over the past few months of how parents/community members respond to the call to remove SROs from schools. Not surprising, but still disappointing, how many white parents are intent on keeping SROs instead of listening and seeking out the voices of  students/ families, many who are Black and brown, who are impacted negatively by police presence in school all the time. This would be the time to amplify the voice of someone who has been harmed, not focus on the little interactions one school SRO provides like saying hello or checking in. At times I am left perplexed over the lack of curiosity into new ways of keeping children safe in school, and the lack of empathy for others' struggles with police.

These are the words that came to mind when I saw this post from Republican candidate for County Executive, Allan Kittleman.

@AKittleman  I am asking Howard County families to sign a petition calling on Calvin Ball to reinstate the SROs he removed on April 21st, 2021. This cannot wait until after the election. The safety of our students and teachers is too important. SIGN THE PETITION NOW.

Fresh off of yesterday’s post, I’m not going to ascribe motive to Kittleman’s actions. I’ll take a taste of my own medicine and do this instead.

This is what I believe: School policing disproportionately criminalizes the behavior of Black and Brown students. Having police in schools has not made schools safer.

This is why I believe it: years of research done across the country and right here in Howard County have shown this is the case.

And, finally, my question to Mr. Kittleman and those who are proponents of school policing: are you willing to work collaboratively with those who have been negatively impacted and harmed by police presence in our schools to resolve this important issue?

As I recall, Kittleman has often expressed pride in his late father’s efforts to desegregate schools in the 1960’s. Here’s something I’d like to know: why is it that the notion of putting police in schools was not  considered appropriate until after Brown v Board required school integration?

I’m curious about that.