An open letter to school police officers:

I know that you are the good guys. I know that you’re meant to keep students safe and work towards building relationships. Having officers in schools started in the 50’s, although it’s been a bigger trend since Columbine. It’s a safety thing; school shootings and criminal activity can still happen on school grounds.

But I also know that you have a reputation in the news now: Violent reactions to student activity. Let me list a couple of examples for you.

San Antonio, Texas – A bullied 12-year-old girl slammed to the ground by a school police officer.

Columbia, South Carolina – A 16-year-old girl yanked from her desk and flung across the floor.

Baltimore, Maryland – A teenage boy kicked and slapped in the head after a verbal altercation with a school police officer.

Round Rock, Texas – A 14-year-old boy boy grabbed by the throat and dragged to the ground by a school police officer, “for his own safety.”

Birmingham, Alabama – Several students pepper-sprayed by school police officers, and then taken to jail, for disagreeing with teachers.

I know. You are meant to be the good guys, but it’s hard to see the good in so many national cases. I know it’s not always your fault. I know you’re meant to keep us safe.

But enough is enough.