Kamala Harris advocated removing cops from schools to address racial inequities in 2019

In a 2019 interview, Vice President Kamala Harris, who was then a U.S. Senator and a presidential candidate, expressed her views on the presence of police officers in schools, advocating for their removal as a measure to combat racial inequities. Harris argued that the presence of law enforcement in educational settings disproportionately affects students of colour, contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline and perpetuating systemic inequalities.

Harris’s remarks were part of a broader conversation on criminal justice reform and educational equity. She emphasized the need for schools to be places of learning and growth, not environments where students, particularly those from marginalized communities, feel criminalized or threatened. Harris suggested that alternative approaches, such as investing in mental health resources, counselling, and restorative justice programs, would be more effective in addressing behavioural issues and supporting students.

Her stance was grounded in the belief that the criminalization of minor infractions in schools often leads to harsher consequences for students of colour, who are more likely to face suspensions, expulsions, and arrests than their white peers. By removing police officers from schools, Harris argued, it would be possible to create a more supportive and equitable educational environment.

The idea of removing police from schools has been a contentious issue, with supporters like Harris advocating for systemic change to address deep-seated racial disparities, while opponents argue that the presence of law enforcement is necessary for maintaining safety. Harris acknowledged the complexity of the issue but maintained that a reimagining of school safety, focusing on preventative and supportive measures rather than punitive ones, was essential for achieving true equity.

Since the interview, the conversation around police in schools has continued to evolve, especially in the wake of nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. Harris’s 2019 comments have been revisited in light of ongoing debates about the role of law enforcement in educational settings and the broader push for criminal justice reform.

As Vice President, Harris’s past advocacy on this issue remains relevant as discussions about racial equity in schools and the role of law enforcement continue to shape policy decisions at both the local and national levels.