The Seattle Public Schools Board of Education rejected a pilot program Wednesday that would have reinstated a school resource officer at Garfield High School for a one-year trial run, voting 5-2 against the plan.
The district has not allowed school resource officers since 2020 during the George Floyd protests. The amendment to district policy would have placed a single officer at Garfield.
District 5 board director Michelle Sarju spoke before casting her vote. “I cannot vote yes on this total package. The trust has been ruined… You all have broken my trust over and over and over again,” she said.
Sarju cited racial disparities, noting that according to SPS data, 27% of total enrollment at Garfield High School is Black. “Until you all correct the disparities once and for all, we are not standing on equal ground. Too much data that says having a police officer in a school creates more disproportionality,” Sarju said.
Under the plan, officers would have been prohibited from involvement in routine school disciplinary actions and non-criminal activity. An amendment introduced by District 4 director Joe Mizrahi included language requiring a formal complaint process. Mizrahi’s amendment passed prior to the final package vote, which he voted against.
Board members Brandon Hersey and Liza Rankin cast the only yes votes. “I’m here representing an entire community. They don’t all agree, but I think part of our job is being willing to make the hard decision. That may mean we don’t get re-elected if people don’t like it because we’re doing the right thing for children,” Rankin said.
Several community members addressed the board during public comment. “Until you want to really show how this is going to effect discipline, reducing discipline on our Black and brown and disproportionate populations, then talk to me about bringing police in the school… in the meantime, don’t bring ’em,” Emijah Smith said.
Smith described her family as having a “legacy” at Garfield High School with multiple generations attending. “My position is that police on campus is supported by families I’ve spoken with, but a police officer inside the school as a staff person? I’m against that,” she stated. “What we want is to prevent people from getting on campus to cause harm.”
Superintendent Fred Podesta deferred comment to the Seattle Police Department when asked about the department’s ongoing approach to patrol outside the school.
The vote reflects ongoing debate about school safety approaches, with some families advocating for armed security while others cite research showing resource officers disproportionately impact students of color through increased disciplinary actions.
