Seattle Public Schools is currently considering the reintroduction of a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Garfield High School in the wake of rising concerns about student safety. This development follows the tragic shooting death of a 17-year-old student just outside the school on June 6, 2024, an incident that has reignited debate around the role of police officers on school campuses in Seattle and beyond.
Garfield High School, located in Seattle’s historically rich Central District, serves approximately 1,641 students and is known for its academic rigor, including Advanced Placement programs and the Accelerated Progress Program for gifted learners. The fatal shooting has prompted school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to re-evaluate the school’s approach to campus security.
The proposed reinstatement of a School Resource Officer marks a significant shift in policy for Seattle Public Schools. In 2020, the district made the decision to remove SROs from its schools, part of a broader national movement to reconsider the role of police in educational settings. That move was based on widespread concerns over the criminalization of student behavior, especially among students of color, and calls for investments in counselors and mental health resources instead of law enforcement presence.
Advocates for bringing an SRO back to Garfield argue that a police presence could act as a deterrent to violence, improve emergency response times, and provide students with a trusted adult who is trained in de-escalation and crisis management. They also point to the rise in gun violence near schools as a pressing reason to revisit the district’s previous decision.
On the other hand, critics of the proposal caution that the presence of armed officers on campus may contribute to an environment of fear and disproportionately impact marginalized students. Data from school districts nationwide show that schools with SROs often report higher rates of student arrests for minor infractions, raising concerns about the school-to-prison pipeline and long-term consequences for youth.
Seattle Public Schools is currently engaging with the community through listening sessions, surveys, and public forums to gather feedback before making a final decision. The district emphasizes that any move to reintroduce law enforcement into school buildings would be part of a larger safety plan that includes mental health support, restorative justice practices, and other wraparound services.
This ongoing deliberation reflects a broader national conversation about how best to protect students while maintaining an educational environment that is inclusive, equitable, and supportive. As Seattle Public Schools continues to evaluate its options, the outcome at Garfield High School may serve as a blueprint for future policy decisions regarding student safety across the district.
