My name is Laura Wesely, I’m an Oakland resident and have worked in public schools around the bay as a teacher and mental health counselor for the past 9 years.
I have witnessed countless interactions between students and police, and without exception, they are always negative. Instead of trying to connect or educate (like a counselor might), I witness officers--whether sworn in or not--belittling, patronizing, and threatening kids.
Research tells us that the prefrontal cortex, needs to be online in order to absorb information. The moment we feel intense stress, our prefrontal cortex goes off-line. When the sheer presence of a uniformed officer is a trauma trigger for so many of the Black and Latinx students, we are stripping them of their ability to learn and access information.
I urge you to decide in favor of the George Floyd Resolution, invest in the structures that actually support our students, like counselors, Restorative Justice Coordinators, mental health clinicians.
Don't criminalize our kids! Support and nurture with the appropriate services!
My name is Laura Wesely, I’m an Oakland resident and have worked in public schools around the bay as a teacher and mental health counselor for the past 9 years.
I have witnessed countless interactions between students and police, and without exception, they are always negative. Instead of trying to connect or educate (like a counselor might), I witness officers--whether sworn in or not--belittling, patronizing, and threatening kids.
Research tells us that the prefrontal cortex, needs to be online in order to absorb information. The moment we feel intense stress, our prefrontal cortex goes off-line. When the sheer presence of a uniformed officer is a trauma trigger for so many of the Black and Latinx students, we are stripping them of their ability to learn and access information.
I urge you to decide in favor of the George Floyd Resolution, invest in the structures that actually support our students, like counselors, Restorative Justice Coordinators, mental health clinicians.