Edmonton Public Schools to reinstate school resource officers

The Edmonton Public School district made a controversial decision on Tuesday to re-instate the school resource officer program, which had been suspended in 2020 due to concerns about its impact on racialized students. Despite opposition from several speakers at the meeting, the board voted 5-3 in favor of bringing police officers back into public schools.

Julie Kusiek, EPSB chair, acknowledged the varying experiences with School Resource Officers (SROs) among marginalized students but emphasized the need for officers for school safety. However, Dia Dacosta, a mother who walked out of the meeting following the vote, expressed her disappointment, stating that marginalized children’s voices were not being heard.

The decision to re-instate SROs marks a shift in Kusiek’s stance, as she highlighted changes in school safety since the program was suspended. The board heard from over 30 speakers, with some sharing negative experiences with police, while others spoke in favor of the motion, citing positive interactions with officers.

The future of the SRO program in Edmonton Public Schools remains uncertain, with the board considering potential changes and improvements. Kusiek emphasized the importance of police accountability in schools and expressed the board’s desire for annual reporting on the program’s impact.

In response to the decision, the Edmonton Police Service expressed their support and readiness to engage in discussions with the school board. The superintendent has been granted the authority to lead discussions with the police, indicating a collaborative effort to address concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of students.