KQED Youth Takeover: How Can San Jose Schools Create Safer Campuses?

KQED's Forum

In 2020 and 2021, against a backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement and Covid-19 pandemic, school districts across the country made the decision to remove police officers from their campuses. In the San Jose area, pressure from teachers and parents pushed several school districts to increase mental health support on campuses – hiring social workers and creating wellness centers – as an alternative to policing. As part of KQED’s Youth Takeover week, high school juniors Khadeejah Khan and Nico Fischer, and a panel of educators, will examine that decision, learn how different schools in San Jose have adapted, and discuss new issues around safety. And we’ll hear from you: how can we create safe, positive environments for students?

Guests:

Khadeejah Khan, senior, Santa Clara High School

Nico Fischer, sophomore, Santa Clara High School

Rachel Stanek, English teacher of thirty years

Tomara Hall, special education teacher, equity leader and community organizer

Michael Gatenby, teacher, East Side Union High School District