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

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