You are reading

Queens City Council Candidates Sign Pledge to Remove NYPD From City Schools

NYPD Badge (Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

Feb. 1, 2021 By Michael Dorgan

Dozens of candidates running for city council have pledged to remove the NYPD from public schools.

Approximately 70 candidates, including 22 from Queens, have signed on to a pledge where they would call for the NYPD to be barred from schools if elected. Furthermore, they would also seek to remove metal detectors from school buildings and have outside groups help students with mental health issues.

The pledge was created by Urban Youth Collaborative, a student-led youth advocacy group that calls for education reform in New York City public schools.

“The presence of police, surveillance, and invasive security measures pushes our most vulnerable students further to the margins,” the pledge reads. The group notes that black and Latinx students have suffered the most under the current system.

“After decades of criminalizing and policing young people in every space we occupy, we are demanding police free schools now and forever,” the pledge reads.

At present, there are more than 5,000 NYPD safety agents performing security duties at public schools and last year – at the height of racial justice protests – the mayor gave assurances that school security would be transferred over time from the NYPD to the Dept. of Education.

However, signatories say the mayor’s assurances don’t go far enough. They are demanding that the NYPD be removed from schools as soon as possible.

Instead, they want school safety to be placed in the hands of guidance counselors, nurses, social workers, restorative justice coordinators as well as academic and social support staff.

The signatories are also calling for an end to all zero-tolerance disciplinary policies at schools which often lead to students being suspended or expelled for minor disciplinary offenses.

In its place, “restorative practices” would be implemented at all schools by 2022. The practice often involves the victim and the offender meeting and reconciling with one another.

The signatories also want more funding for mental health support at schools.

The candidates who signed the pledge are listed on page 3

UYC Vision for Police Free … by Yael Fisher

 

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Ozone Park man indicted for kidnapping and assault of 11-year-old girl in Forest Park: DA

A Queens grand jury indicted an Ozone Park man for abducting an 11-year-old girl in Forest Park and sexually assaulting her before the victim’s father intervened in May.

Teddy Moussignac, 44, of 102nd Street, was arraigned Friday in Queens Supreme Court on a seven-count indictment charging him with kidnapping, assault, two counts of sexual assault in the first degree, and other related crimes.

From spa retreats to public pools: Queens has a swim spot for everyone

Jun. 13, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With temperatures rising and the official start of summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to find a pool in Queens to help you beat the heat. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa escape, a rooftop party spot, or a free afternoon swim in your neighborhood, Queens offers a range of pool experiences for every vibe and budget.

Outdoor bars and beer gardens to enjoy this summer in Queens

Jun. 11, 2025 By Jessica Militello

With sunsets past 8 p.m. and temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to grab a drink or a bite outdoors and soak in the sights and sounds of Queens. Whether you’re catching up with friends after work or planning a weekend brunch, the borough is filled with beer gardens, rooftop lounges, and patio spots to make the most of the season.