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Parents,
Recently a group of concerned citizens held a demonstration at a Norman City Council meeting, protesting for change in the prioritization and implementation of policing in the community. Among their concerns is the presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) in our schools.
First and foremost, we are anti-racism at Norman Public Schools. We do not tolerate racism of any kind and it is imperative that we listen to concerns about this program and swiftly address any issues of racism or discrimination that may arise. It is also critical to understand that SRO programs are not created equal and that in Norman, our SRO program was specifically designed with two distinct goals: to protect all of our students and staff and build supportive relationships with our youth. In fact, I believe the relationship-focused service our SROs provide to our students can be a model for the kind of police reform that is being demanded across our nation. I also believe that without a doubt, our SROs make our schools safer.
I also know that any program can be improved. Each and every day in our schools we seek to be better, to do better, and to go above and beyond in service to students. We have extremely high expectations for our SRO program and I wholeheartedly believe these officers walk the halls of our schools with protection in their minds and empathy in their hearts. If this has not been your experience, I encourage you to contact administrators at your child’s school and let us know how we — in partnership with the Norman Police Department — can serve you better.
Our explicit and stated directive for these officers is to protect and support our students, not discipline them. Both Norman Public Schools and the Norman Police Department have agreed from the inception of this partnership that discipline or punishment is not a part of our officers’ role in our schools. We’ve worked closely with the police department to specifically outline these roles and to ensure discipline issues continue to be addressed by school administrators, rather than by police officers.
When it comes to safety, our SROs are an essential part of our plans to safeguard our students and staff. They stand between our schools and the dangers that exist in today’s world. In a time when school threats are far too prevalent, I believe our SROs help to provide the protection our students and staff deserve and their families require. We also work hand-in-hand with these officers every day to ensure our schools remain safe havens for our students so they can feel secure and focus on their education.
These highly trained and carefully selected officers must also complete extensive professional development programs specifically focused on working with youth and supporting students who have special needs. The speciality training they receive also focuses on dealing with students who suffer from mental health issues or who have experienced significant trauma. They are a critical resource for our counselors and a lifeline for our students.
Our officers take great care to serve as mentors and confidants for many students in times of need. They build powerful and even life-changing relationships with students and their families. I have seen firsthand the impact our officers have and it can be on par with that of a teacher, a counselor, a friend and in some cases, even a parent for a child who does not have one.
For example, an officer serving Whittier Middle School helped lead a weekly therapeutic support group for male students who have had difficulties in school. In one instance, the officer learned the reason one student did not comply with school rules to remove his hoodie was because he was embarrassed about his hair. The officer has since made arrangements for him and other students in need to receive free haircuts. Two officers at Norman North feel so strongly about keeping students safe they danced in the halls to promote the dangers of vaping while a Norman High officer consumed increasingly spicy hot wings while answering personal questions to connect with students. At Irving Middle School, an officer was recognized by local news media for going above and beyond for families in need by purchasing groceries and even personally purchasing and replacing tires on one family’s vehicle. And, a former high school senior even recognized an SRO as one of the most caring and influential people in her life. These are just a few examples of how these officers build relationships with our students and their families.
All that said, even with the best intentions and remarkable individuals serving in these roles, it is vital that we recognize the perspective of one is not the experience of all. We want every student who walks through our doors to feel safe, welcome and valued. I encourage you to let us know when this does not happen so we can immediately address the situation. At Norman Public Schools, we embrace each and every child in our schools and support our black students and families as we collectively seek to eliminate racism of any kind. We will continue to listen and learn as we strive for excellence in all we do for our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nick Migliorino
Superintendent
Norman Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Values: Integrity | Inclusiveness | Collaboration | Optimism
Email: normanpublicschools@norman.k12.ok.us
Website: normanpublicschools.org
Location: 131 South Flood Avenue, Norman, OK, United States
Facebook: facebook.com/normanpublicschools
Twitter: @NormanSchools