Asha Lane is an 18-year-old senior at the International High School of New Orleans, a charter high school. Asha wanted to find out why New Orleans charter schools don’t always feel nurturing. We live in a dangerous city, but when does security feel unsafe?

…“On social media, we see security guards slam kids on the floor, and at my school it happens as well,” says Asha. “We fear that could happen to us at any moment. The school is tense. The security guards yell and treat us like we’re inmates. They routinely grab students by their shirts, and they’re big guys, so they often physically pick kids up off the floor. When there’s a fight, they don’t hesitate to tackle students.”

…“It’s like they’re trying to solve violence with violence. And we’re not in a prison, this is school,” Ronnie says. “We’re supposed to be here to get our education. If you want to teach us something, how about you teach us not to solve violence with violence? And stop putting your hands on us and we might stop putting our hands on each other?” 

“Our society is moving in a direction where it’s not safe to go to church, a movie, and school,” explains [Edna Karr Principal] Clay. “And so to take a position not to ensure safety for kids, when they just want to learn, especially when we recognize crime stats in the area and what’s happening, is irresponsible.”

“Principal Clay puts a good spin on his school, but what he was saying didn’t match what I was hearing from his students,” says Asha.

…“How do you reference security at your school?” Asha asks. “Do you say security guards? Or do you say—”

“Oh no, it’s EKPD.”

“EKPD. What is EKPD?”

“Edna Karr Police Department.”

…“Violence is always going to be a concern at any school,” says Thena Robinson Mock. “I think, though, that what we have learned over the years in implementing more positive disciplinary responses to violence is that tightening up one’s police, metal detectors, actually runs counter to this message of peace and calm and a nurturing learning environment. And that’s really what’s needed in order to either prevent violence or address it.”

Security And Discipline In New Orleans Charter Schools Makes Many Students Feel Unsafe | WWNO

sigh….