SEIU Local 99 is working to ensure that students’ studies aren’t disrupted by ICE raids or random police searches. We supported the recent LAUSD School Board Resolution that made our schools “safe zones” where children and families are protected from federal law enforcement agents looking to deport those lacking documentation without a review process. As we said before the School Board, “people trust schools more than they do parks or hospitals or any public agency,” so it is critically important that students feel protected at school.
And we are working in partnership with UTLA, the teachers’ union, to end random student searches and police brutality on our campuses. Unwarranted searches hurt our schools, reduce students’ learning time and we feel they are unconstitutional.
“As a school bus driver and a mom, I try to show kids how much they matter and remind them that they’re our future. Do they need teaching and role models? Sure! But they don’t need to be treated like future criminals when they’re just trying to go to and from school.
As I was driving down the street the other day I noticed three black boys walking down the street. They were walking home from school, eating chips and drinking sodas. Abruptly a police cruiser pulled up, blocking the street and two police officers jumped out of the car. They yelled at the boys to stop and put their hands up. The boys did. The police ordered them to raise their shirts. The boys did. The police ordered them to get up against the wall. The boys did. The police officers frisked them from head to toe. The boys stood still and permitted it without argument. After the officers finished, they hopped back into their cruiser and drove off.
The three boys walked off as if nothing had happened. It seemed like they were used to it. I slowed down to ask them how often that happens. One of the young men said about twice a day. This should not seem normal to our children. They should not have to grow up feeling constant suspicion just because they are Black or Latino. Our kids need to be acknowledged and their potential needs to be protected. That’s why I’m getting involved in the Students Not Suspects project.” — Jan Williams, LAUSD Bus Driver
