Violence Soars in Liberal LA Schools as Parents Push for Police Return

Amid rising violent incidents, a grassroots movement in Los Angeles is demanding the reinstatement of police officers in schools, clashing with progressive groups that advocate for the abolition of police in education.

In the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in 2020, a progressive movement successfully advocated for the removal of police officers from Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) campuses. However, this decision has had dire consequences, with violent incidents nearly doubling since then.

Grassroots groups, such as the Parents Advisory Committee led by Maria Luisa Palma, are now calling for the return of police officers to schools. Palma's petition has garnered over 2,500 signatures from parents across the district, alarmed by the surge in violence.

According to district data, violent incidents have skyrocketed from 2,315 in 2018-2019 to 4,569 in 2022-2023. Students report frequent fights, open drug use in bathrooms, and a general atmosphere of insecurity.

"We have more clear information. This is out of control," Palma stated to Fox News Digital. However, progressive groups like Students Deserve, partnered with Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles and the California Teacher's Association, continue to oppose police presence in schools.

Students Deserve argues that police officers criminalize students, particularly those from marginalized communities, and create an intimidating learning environment. In 2021, they successfully pressured LAUSD to divert $25 million from school police to alternative support services.

Despite a school board vote in February 2021 to eliminate school officers, a resolution in September 2021 to reinstate them was rejected. The board is currently developing a new safety plan, but whether it includes police officers remains unknown.

Parents and teachers are frustrated by the lack of police presence, as 911 calls are made "almost every day" to report incidents of violence. Palma argues that the decision not to fund a functioning police department is a "political statement" appeasing the defund the police movement.

"It is not a question of whether or not the district has funds," Palma emphasized. "It is a political statement." As the debate continues, parents and students are left grappling with the consequences of a progressive policy that has fueled a surge in violence in Los Angeles schools.