Student Resource Officer program terminated

officer Derek Chauvin. The murder of George Floyd is not the only incident of cops killing unarmed people of color, but it is clear that for many his murder was the tipping point. Calling for an end to police brutality towards African-Americans, people all around the world are protesting. These protests, and the unjust police brutality towards African-Americans, has led to tensions between the general public and the police.

Wheeler’s decision came from a stark reason.

“Wheeler said he's committed to doing everything he can to disrupt the patterns of injustice against African-Americans in Portland,” stated Fox 12 news.

“What we are hearing loudly and clearly from the community is that they do not want this direct physical ongoing presence in the schools,” stated Wheeler.

Some David Douglas students agree with Wheeler’s decision.

“I think it might’ve been the right choice, but in terms of security it just means they have to step up the security itself,” said a David Douglas sophomore.

“I think that is great to see our school district take steps in promoting equality, and [it is great to see our school] supporting the community in our fight for racial injustice, ”said sophomore Tony Nguyen.

Student resource officers are police officers who are located at schools who work with school staff to help with the safety and security. At David Douglas High School, the Student Resource Officer was Portland Police officer Steve Morinville.

“I do not agree with the decision at all,” said Morinville. “By having an SRO, staff and students can build a relationship with that officer and know them. The officer can help talk to kids and mediate, before things happen. They have access to early intervention to keep kids out of trouble and to help families. They talk to and teach classes on safety, drug use, life skills and consequences, answer law questions, and on and on. Helping kids with home and abuse issues, homeless crisis, help with resources and giving kids a place to ask legal questions that they feel safe with.”

Officer Morinville was also concerned with the current stigmas against the police.

“No matter what we do or how we act, we are judged by the actions of someone else, somewhere else,” he said. “This is usually called racist or stereotyping or profiling, but if it is aimed at a police officer it is called truth. I don't know why society has now taken that as their cause and it is ok to hate police and call them things that they aren't, but it is. There are a small minority of police officers who do something wrong, just like there are students, teachers, black individuals, Muslim indivisuals, Christians, etcetera, who do something bad. We as a society have said that it isn't ok to judge all those people, by the actions of a few, but it is ok to judge police officers that way.”

David Douglas School District Board Chair Andrea Valderrama backed Portland’s Mayor.

“I unequivocally affirm Black Lives Matter, and that anti-black racism and white supremacy must be dismantled at all levels of the David Douglas School District,” said Valderrama. “I also am answering the call from the Minneapolis School District and directing the DDSD to end any and all contracts with law enforcement agencies, and disband in-district policing and security departments that place police officers in schools.”

Despite the new policy, Officer Morinville is grateful for all the memories he made as a SRO.

“My favorite parts were the relationships,” he said. “I know many generations of families and teachers. Being at games and seeing past students. Going to graduations and seeing kids I have known from kindergarten. Watching kids come back as teachers and teach and have kids of their own. These are the best memories.”