Last night the Baltimore City school board voted unanimously to oppose a measure that would have allowed school police officers to carry firearms during school hours. According to the Baltimore Sun, the school board’s vote effectively kills HB31, a bill that if passed would have allowed school police to carry guns in schools.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) has actively opposed any legislative advocacy aimed at changing a Maryland law that prohibits the Baltimore school police from carrying firearms on schools grounds during school hours. LDF submitted written testimony ahead of last night’s school board meeting.
Monique Dixon, LDF Deputy Policy Director issued the following statement:.
“The Baltimore City school board listened to parents, students, and advocates who want nothing more than for all children to be safe and treated fairly in school.
“We know more law enforcement and guns do the exact opposite, making students of color less safe—further fueling the school-to-prison pipeline and putting all students in harm’s way.
“LDF will continue to work with the Baltimore community, including police executives, and remain vigilant to ensure that both the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore School Police are held to a high standard and prioritize the safety and fair treatment of the city’s children and youth.”
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