The recent plan to deploy police officers to 20 Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) campuses is meeting swift backlash as the effort collapses amid confusion. The deployment approved by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, marked a major shift just two years after the school board voted to remove officers from campuses. However, poor communication and inaccurate information have led the plan to unravel. In this article we talk about LAUSD Police Withdrawal from 20 Schools Sparks Backlash and Confusion.
The Background
In 2020, the LAUSD school board voted 4-3 to ban police from campuses as part of the “School Climate Bill of Rights” resolution. This eliminated officers who were assigned to schools and cut funding for the LAUSD Police Department by 35%. However the department still investigates crimes, makes arrests, and responds to emergencies on campuses when necessary.
The Decision and Deployment
Citing a spike in school fights, weapons and other safety issues, Carvalho directed officers to be assigned to 20 middle and high schools from May 9th through the school year ending June 11th. Schools were chosen based on recent violent incidents on or near the campuses. Deputy Superintendent Pedro Salcido stated this met the parameters of the board’s 2020 resolution and was a temporary response to threats.
However, board members contend they were not informed of the effort beforehand. Board President Jackie Goldberg said she first learned of the deployment from the Los Angeles Times on May 11th, two days after it began. The board holds authority over district policy changes, putting Carvalho’s unilateral action on questionable grounds.
Additionally, communication issues added significant confusion. A memo from Carvalho to the board implied the plan was still under consideration when officers had already been assigned to schools that morning. An internal police memo naming the 20 schools and outlining officers’ on-campus duties had not been approved by district leadership. Deputy Chief Glenn Besunder soon clarified that officers would only be stationed on two campuses, conflicting with the memo.
Backlash and Criticisms
Students Deserve, an activist group against police presence in schools, strongly condemned Carvalho’s actions as unilateral and dismissive of student voices. They believe stationing police turns students into suspects and worsens school climate rather than making campuses safer. Parent leaders also felt the response did not properly address their concerns and demands for improved safety measures.
Board members questioned Carvalho’s authority and the lack of board approval. The conflicting information and ineffective communication surrounding the rapidly dissolving plan has also drawn criticism over its poor handling.
Looking Ahead
After just one day Goldberg confirmed the withdrawal is underway. The failed effort will likely lead to an open discussion between the board and superintendent over policy authority and public safety approaches. While campus conditions demanded urgent action, Carvalho bypassed established protocols causing the plan to collapse. Despite aims to protect students, overlooking key stakeholders shattered trust and community engagement—vital for effective solutions.
The board must reassert its governance role while improving transparency around safety decisions. Meanwhile, student and parent voices longing for safe, nurturing schools require inclusion. Through collaborative discussion and oversight the district can potentially craft widely-supported improvements backed by reliable data and community wisdom. If not, haphazard actions risk harming L.A.’s most vulnerable and losing their confidence. I sincerely hope you find this “LAUSD Police Withdrawal from 20 Schools Sparks Backlash and Confusion- What really Happened?” article helpful.
Ruby Arora is the lead writer at LosAngelesDailyNews.net, where she brings her extensive expertise in journalism and communications to cover Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and breaking news. Ruby holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and has a track record of delivering insightful and accurate stories. Connect with her on Instagram and YouTube for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
