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Some LAUSD parents want police officers back on campus – NBC Los Angeles

A group of parents whose children attend schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District called Tuesday for police to return to school grounds.

The parents, who organized a petition after a spate of violence at LAUSD schools, went before the school board demanding the reinstatement of police officers on campus after the officers were largely withdrawn about two years ago in response to the so-called defund the police movement.

“(Our children) tell us the bathrooms smell like weed. Many children don’t want to go to the toilet at school, said Maria Luisa Palma, a member of the parent advisory group. “Some of them call their parents to pick them up to go to the bathroom at home.”

The latest data from the LAUSD board found that since the officers were removed, the number of fights and physical aggression has nearly doubled, from 2,270 cases to 4,569 incidents.

While the petition has been filed to reinstate campus police, other parents like those with the Students Deserve Coalition say the district should invest more in de-escalation training to prevent violence.

“The safety of our students is important to us. And we also know that historically school police do not prevent violence, but rather perpetrate violence,” said Mau Trejo of the Students Deserve Coalition. “We also believe the district can better partner with parents and students to implement a safe, community-based safety plan that truly considers Latino, Black and other students of color and their academic and social well-being.

LAUSD leaders said they are working to address concerns while keeping students safe. The board was scheduled to provide an update to the Safe Schools Task Force on Tuesday.