Policing In Issaquah Schools: District Plans May 5 Meeting

ISSAQUAH, WA — The Issaquah School District will host a virtual community meeting on May 5, looking to hear from families about the role of uniformed police officers in public schools.

Right now, Issaquah high schools staff security personnel in two categories. First are school security officers, who are district employees trained in first aid, crisis intervention, CPR and other practices. The second category is school resource officers, who are uniformed members of the police department. Next Wednesday's meeting will focus on the latter group.

In a description for the event, the district writes:

"Following the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, people across the country — including on the steps of Issaquah City Hall — have rightfully demonstrated against racial injustice throughout our country. The Black Lives Matters demonstrators have asked that we take this moment to talk about what we need to do as a community to recognize racial bias, and make changes to eliminate the disproportionate damage it is doing to community members of color."

Last summer, school districts in many cities across the United States, including nearby Seattle, cut ties with police departments amid nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

District officials said Issaquah community members have made it clear that they want more information about the school resource officer program, and the district is seeking to hear "a diverse range of opinions, stories, and perspectives."

Residents interested in participating in the virtual conversation can sign up via Eventbrite. The May 5 meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and run until 6:30 p.m.